It is also looked at with eyes that recognize the significance of abstractionism. The progression toward the dilution of figural form, definitely perceptible in the garden view, is now admired, not deplored. Not least, the landscape is painted with an energy, a thrust to the brush, to which the public today responds more readily, possibly because of its greater exposure to contemporary art, to action painting in particular and to its earlier inspiration - Japanese Zen painting. A change in attitude to art buying has also taken place. It is safe to predict that works falling within this broad category of outstanding achievements by famous artists in styles not hitherto consecrated by traditional admiration will continue to command rising prices.
Pictures justifying the latter qualifier also rise, but by modest margins.
Done in 1906, in the wake of the Fauve years, it is not entirely in the Fauve manner of which it lacks the contrasted colors. The price was considerable, but not a great surprise. Works of this size and quality are rare. It had what could be called the spice of the moment - a powerful movement, almost a twist to its outline. All works of great quality with aesthetic characteristics that match the current mood can be expected to continue to rise inexorably.