Monday, November 29, 2010

Swipe Spot #11

or: When is a Brangwyn not a Brangwyn?

 The following Brangwyn is available at auction via Illustration House.

Lot 57  Frank Brangwyn,  nude women at well

The lot entry reads~
Lot 57 Frank Brangwyn 1867-1956
Nude women at well.
Drawing, probably before 1925; 
Charcoal and sepia conté on grey paper, 23 x 18", not signed
Estimate: $1,500 - 2,500
This drawing is probably a study for a mural project.
Provenance - The previous owner was an assistant of Dean Cornwell and acquired it from him.
Condition - Very good overall: some light creases of paper at lower edge; archivally matted and framed in dark wood.

Now, I have discussed the drawing with friends, about certain qualities that make me question whether it  might actually be a Cornwell. By and by, regardless of my doubts (which themselves are doubted), no one can argue that the figures are swiped from, Le repos (1863) by muralist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1824-1898).




Questions: answers I seek, answers I postulate, answers lost in time.
• What is the name of the previous owner (a.k.a. assistant of Dean Cornwell)?
• When the assistant of D.C. sold the drawing, did he attribute it to Brangwyn in order to raise its value?
• Is the composition based entirely upon a Puvis de Chavannes that I am unaware of?  Perhaps a sketch or easel painting.
• What do you know?



Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Eugène Delacroix - drawings

Eugène Delacroix, though his place in art-history is secure, he seems to me under appreciated. The name de la Croix tells you right where he was coming from. Crayon, pencil, pastel, ink… consider it brought!











Friday, November 19, 2010

Swipe Spot #10

Rutland post office murals, painted in 1937 by Stephen J. Belaski, depict the early history of Vermont.

mural by Stephen J. Belaski

A quick glance reveals a familiar profile.


Thats right Stephen J., the world has caught on to your subterfuge!

cover art by J.C. Leyendecker

Another panel, this with no recognizable faces.


Rutland… isn't that where the Prefab Four are from?

the rutles

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

ROBERT KENNEDY ABBETT

Inaugural post of the new feature "Top 10". I will spotlight 10 choice works by a single artist. Bringing forth their greatness in concentrated power! Without further comment… Bob Abbett, illustrator and wildlife artist.











Tuesday, November 2, 2010

No More Socialism

NO MORE SOCIALIST PROMISES FOR ME, I'M VOTING CONSERVATIVE THIS TIME

artwork by Harold Speed ,1931


The "progressive" plan~

“Under Socialism, you would not be allowed to be poor. You would be forcibly fed, clothed, lodged, taught, and employed whether you liked it or not. If it were discovered that you had not character and industry enough to be worth all this trouble, you might possibly be executed in a kindly manner; but whilst you were permitted to live, you would have to live well.” – George Bernard Shaw