Oil on canvas, 1957, signed 'J. Sima' and dated lower right. 8 3/4 x 13 3/4 in., unframed. Note: Joseph Sima and art historian Meyer Schapiro had a personal relationship in the late 1950s and 60s. Corresponding by letter often, the two men had great respect for each other.  Schapiro was in a position to help artists, and offered his help to Sima by selling paintings for him. Sima thought very highly of Shapiro and asked him to write an entry for his exhibition at the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris in 1968. In 1961, Schapiro's sister-in-law, Sophie Esterman, bought this painting at his apartment for $150. A family photograph shows this painting behind Meyer Schapiro at left. Definitive attribution to the artist has not been made. Condition Report In very good condition. Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.   Provenance The artist; Meyer Shapiro; Sophie Esterman; Thence by descent.