MID-CENTURY Modern ~ AMERICAN SURREALISM ~ 1953 Exhibited Work NEW YORK ARTIST

Description: A fine watercolor from Woodstock artist John Ward McClellan (1908–1986). A figurative work in the surrealist vein from 1953, it depicts an exotic beauty with a sinister figure in the far distance. Good sized, the watercolor measures 22 3/8 x 14 7/8 inches and it is signed "McC" (McClellan's habit on original works) & dated '53 in the lower left. The reverse bears an exhibition label with the artist's full name and title of the work "Doricha" and original price of $100, it is also annotated in the artist's hand "Exhibited Albany 1953, Oct. - This WC based on Sappho - (Ode XXIII, Peter Pauper Press edition)". Painting is on watermarked (MBM Special France) wove paper, it shows vestiges of a mat line, reverse shows overall minor foxing and old tape residue, otherwise in excellent condition. I've included one photo of it in its "as found" frame, not included in sale. John Ward McClellan (1908–1986) was born in London to American parents, after receiving an early education in England, he entered prep school in the U.S. and later attended Yale University with the intention of becoming a doctor. In 1930, he transferred to the School of the Boston Museum, then in 1932 attended the Academie Julian in Paris, followed by painting and sketching trips through France, Spain and Mexico. After France, he became involved in the Spanish Civil War, but was ordered to leave. In the late 1930s, now an accomplished artist, he settled in Woodstock, New York and proceeded to establish a national reputation. He spent much time in the period before the war in producing lithographs and a number of his prints were acquired by the Whitney Museum, the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum. After his service in WWII, McClellan continued to paint and produce lithographs. His career was deeply influenced by two incidents in his life - the horror he encountered in entering a concentration camp during World War II and his life long love of Spain and especially the poetry of Frederico Garcia Lorca.

Price: 585 USD

Location: Brooksville, Florida

End Time: 2024-09-04T00:27:31.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD