John Koch (American, 1909-1978), First Study for 'The Bath' No. II

Pencil and chalk on paper, signed at lower right, matted and framed under glass.

Sight size 12 1/2 x 9 3/8 in.; Frame dimensions 18 3/4 x 15 3/4 in.

Kraushaar Galleries, New York

John Koch was an American painter known for his elegant, realist interiors and portraits that captured the refined atmosphere of mid-20th-century urban life. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he was largely self-taught but developed a sophisticated style influenced by European academic painting. Based in New York City, Koch often depicted well-dressed figures in sunlit apartments, engaged in quiet moments of daily life, music, or conversation. His work combined traditional techniques with a modern sensibility, focusing on the interplay of light, space, and social interaction. His work is held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and more.

Good estate condition; not examined out of the frame.