Description:

"Chief" Philo Levi Willey (American/Louisiana, 1887-1980), "Flee [sic] Market", 1971, color pencil and mixed media on paper laid on board, signed, titled and inscribed en verso, handwritten title plaque en verso of "Kamas Art Studio, New Orleans, LA" card inscribed "This is Chief's Drawing of a Flea Market" in lower margin of mat, 12 in. x 16 in., framed, overall 22 in. x 25 5/8 in. x 1 in. Note: Philo Levi Willey was born in Connecticut in 1887 and held a variety of jobs (including at lumber camps, sawmills, automobile factories, farms and the Barnum & Baily Circus) before moving to New Orleans in 1932 to work as a security guard for the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board. Willey eventually became head of security there, earning him the moniker “Chief.” Following his retirement from that job in 1966, he began to paint, showcasing his work along the fence in Jackson Square. The lot on offer here is characteristic of Chief’s work: a city scene full of people with bright color and dense with detail. Ref.: Sellen, Betty-Carol. Self-Taught, Outsider and Folk Art: A Guide to American Artists, Locations and Resources 3rd Edition. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company Inc., 2016, pp. 274-275.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. To REQUEST A CONDITION REPORT, email [email protected]. Requests are only taken and provided in writing. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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March 14, 2024 2:00 PM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $5,000
$50,000 $99,999 $10,000
$100,000 + $20,000