Description:

Clementine Hunter (American/Louisiana, 1886-1988) , "Cane River Baptism", oil on window shade laid on masonite, unsigned, exhibition label on reverse of frame, sight 17 3/8 in. x 56 3/8 in., framed Provenance: Collection of Dr. & Mrs. Robert F. Ryan; Estate of Iris Brittain Rayford (1934-2018). Ill.: McDonald, Margaret. "Clementine the Painter." The Shreveport Times May 8, 1955: 2F; Whitehead, Tom and Art Shiver. Clementine Hunter : Her Life and Art. Baton Rouge: LSU Press, 2012, pl. 34. Note: This painting has been authenticated by renowned Clementine Hunter expert Tom Whitehead. Note: This early rendering of “Cane River Baptism” by Clementine Hunter was purchased by Dr. Robert Ryan at the Melrose Plantation Auction in June of 1970. The painting is reputedly her first baptism scene, although such claims are not rare and difficult to confirm with Hunter’s work. A photograph published in the May 8, 1955, edition of the Shreveport Times shows this unique painting, which was executed on a window shade, tacked above the doors of the back porch of the Yucca House at Melrose Plantation. Clementine Hunter historian and expert Tom Whitehead writes, “[t]his early masterpiece shows the artistic talents Clementine had in capturing the vivid colors and community involvement in a Baptism with the candidates in the Cane River, the preacher and the lady’s auxiliary of St. Matthew Baptist Church. Her use of colors in the background was unique and outstanding, highlighting the elements of the experience.”

  • Condition: 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. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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November 20, 2021 11:00 AM CST
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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