Equality
1935ref. 21174ca1935. As found. Very good with one abraded chipped circular gap on the necklace of the primary figure in the painted image that measures appx. 3/16 of an inch in diameter. The gap is on the verso of the screen. The screen mesh is in good condition i.e. not punctured. Color lithography on wire screen. The colored surface measures appx. 31 x 24.5 inches. It is stapled on to the plain painted framing boards. A most unusual representation of New Deal ideals within the genre of Baltimore screen painting. This manner of folk-art is singular to Baltimore and started some time around WWI. The "painting" offered here is actually some form of lithography we have seen an identical image as part of a set with the same framing and deviates dramatically from the typical subjects - country scenes or lifeless landscapes - of the genre. The artist is unknown but one assumes must have been a beneficiary of a WPA project somewhere at some time based on the prominent presence of the American "Federal" eagle on the lower right of the painting. This is one of a series of four whose subjects were "Truth" "Justice" "Liberty" and "Equality" that made up the set. They were most likely meant as wall decoration for a public building court house. It is remarkable that the medium of wire mesh screening was used to produce the image - perhaps a Baltimore artist reverting to his/her roots in the WPA program. The result is a graphic "icon" made inexpensively yet more lasting than a depiction on paper and employing more hands in its production. unknown books
Palinurus Antiquarian Books · United States$1,500.00≈ €1,342.64
