Description

A pair of large signed watercolors by Hazard Durfee, the Massachusetts/Rhode Island artist, depicting classical architectural ruins in a loose, modernist hand. One work is dated 1964. Both are executed on heavy artist paper and measure approximately 27" × 20 3/4" each.

The pair presents two related views of ancient ruins: one focused on broken stone, scattered architectural fragments, and distant temple structures; the other centered on a more monumental classical façade beneath a textured, expressive sky. Both works combine watercolor, drawing, and collage-like surface effects, giving them a layered quality that feels both archaeological and modern.

Durfee’s treatment of the subject is atmospheric rather than literal. The works suggest travel, memory, excavation, and the endurance of architecture over time — exactly the sort of history-and-character situation we love. The large scale, architectural subject matter, and muted earth-toned palette make the pair especially suitable for a study, library, stair hall, or interior with classical, modernist, or collected sensibilities.

Durfee’s work had been exhibited at the Whitney Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Rhode Island School of Design, among others.

Offered together as a pair, unframed.

Object Details

Artist: Hazard Durfee
Title: Pair of Classical Ruins Watercolors
Medium: Watercolor and mixed drawing/collage-like media on heavy artist paper
Date: One work dated 1964
Signature: Both signed
Dimensions: Approximately 27" × 20 3/4" each
Presentation: Unframed
Sold as: Pair of two works

Condition Description

Both works are unframed and on heavy artist paper. Condition is consistent with age, handling, and the artist’s materials. The sheets show visible edge wear, toning, handling marks, surface irregularities, and age-related discoloration. The larger collage-like work has two small holes in the sky area.

The surfaces include layered watercolor, drawing, and collage-like or textured areas, with some irregularities inherent to the making of the works. Please review photographs carefully, including the sheet edges, corners, signatures, dated inscription, surface texture, and areas of wear, as all images form part of the condition description.

Sold as found and as shown.

Purchase Details

Price: $950 for the pair
Shipping quoted separately. These are large unframed works on paper and will require careful packing. Flat shipping is preferred. Please inquire for additional photographs, condition details, or a shipping estimate.