Description:

Felix Runcie Kelly (British, 1914-1994), "3604 Spring Hill Avenue", 1967, oil on masonite, signed and dated lower right, signed and inscribed en verso, "Kennedy Galleries, New York, NY" and "The R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport, LA" labels en verso, 36 in. x 54 in., framed, overall 43 1/4 in. x 64 1/4 in. x 2 3/4 in.Exh.: "Felix Kelly: A Romantic Realist", The R.W. Norton Art Gallery, Shreveport, LA, Apr. 16 - May 14, 1972. Note: Born in New Zealand in 1914, Felix Runcie Kelly moved to London in 1935 and never returned to the place of his birth. In England, Kelly became a graphic artist at an advertising agency until the outbreak of World War II, when he enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Following the war, his artistic focus shifted to book and magazine illustration and painting. Kelly was heavily influenced by the Surrealists early in his painting career, and this impact can be seen in many of his works of the 1940s. Kelly regularly received commissions to paint portraits of grand houses and estates, and he often included small surrealist aspects to add an otherworldly appearance to the subjects. However, Kelly recognized that his commissions were more popular when depicting a home in a romantic and nostalgic manner rather than a surreal one, and he shifted his painting style to accommodate the preference of his patrons, wealthy homeowners from the United States and Great Britian. An exhibit at The R. W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1972 included the considerable canvas offered here and was entitled “Felix Kelly: A Romantic Realist,” further alluding to the romantic yet realistic style for which Kelly became most known. “3604 Spring Hill Avenue” of Mobile, Alabama is a masterwork of the artist’s southern scenes with a classic moss-draped oak, inviting lawn chairs and abundant foliage.

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

Shipping Options

Invaluable Shipping

  • Expert Care packing and Shipping
  • Shipment Protection
  • Real-time tracking

Arrange your own

  • You will coordinate with us to arrange your own shipping

Local pickup

  • You will coordinate with us and arrange pick up time after payment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

September 8, 2023 1:00 PM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 28% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $10,000