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Celebrating Summer and the Human Form: Notable Figurative Works

Barridoff Auctions’ Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale invites bidders to dive into a curated selection of fine art that reflects both the vibrancy of the season and the expressive power of the human figure. Among the standout lots in this year’s auction are four compelling works depicting bathers; each offering a unique interpretation of leisure, movement, and identity in the context of water.

Carl Sprinchorn’s Sensuous Studies

Two intimate works by Carl Sprinchorn (American, 1887–1971) capture the artist’s fascination with the figure in repose and motion. Known for his robust brushwork and dedication to modernist forms, Sprinchorn’s “Bather” and “Diver at Pool” are executed in pastel and watercolor, imbuing the subjects with both immediacy and elegance. “Bather,” a vertical composition measuring just over 11 inches tall, presents a poised and introspective figure rendered in warm tones and gestural strokes. Meanwhile, “Diver at Pool” conveys dynamic movement and architectural tension as the figure arches forward mid-dive, emphasizing Sprinchorn’s skill at balancing color, form, and vitality.



Featured Lot
Carl Sprinchorn (Am. 1887-1971), Bather, Pastel and watercolor on paper, framed under glass (Lot 44)
Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale
Barridoff Auctions
August 16, 2025
Estimate: $600 - $800



Featured Lot
Carl Sprinchorn (Am. 1887-1971), Diver at Pool, Watercolor and pastel on paper, framed under glass (Lot 47)
Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale
Barridoff Auctions
August 16, 2025
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Katherine Bradford’s Buoyant Vision“

In “Ready to Jump,” Katherine Bradford (American, b. 1942) offers a whimsical yet powerful take on aquatic themes. Bradford, long celebrated for her dreamlike scenes of swimmers and superheroes, paints in acrylic on paper to depict a solitary figure poised on a diving board. The composition is saturated with color and energy, reflecting the artist’s signature blend of surrealism and psychological depth. Bradford’s work continues to gain attention for its embrace of vulnerability and joy; qualities that resonate deeply in this spirited piece.



Featured Lot
Katherine Bradford (Am. b. 1942), Ready to Jump, 2023, Acrylic on paper, framed under glass (Lot 48)
Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale
Barridoff Auctions
August 16, 2025
Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000

A Crayon Portrait with Summer Spirit

Also featured is a crayon portrait by Carl Sprinchorn, a more grounded and personal counterpoint to his more kinetic poolside scenes. 



Featured Lot
Carl Sprinchorn (Am. 1887-1971), Portrait, Crayon on paper, framed under glass (Lot 46)
Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale
Barridoff Auctions
August 16, 2025
Estimate: $700 - $900

These four works represent a spectrum of figurative interpretation; from Sprinchorn’s fluid studies to Bradford’s bold, contemporary abstraction. Whether you’re an avid collector of modernist works, a fan of expressive figuration, or simply seeking a piece that evokes the pleasures of summer, these lots offer beauty, narrative, and timeless charm.

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