J. Karle (California, 20th Century) Folk Art maritime acrylic on board painting of man painting a ship's mermaid figurehead. The man swings suspended in front of the figurehead, tied by rope to the bowsprit of the ship, and is smoking a pipe while he works. Signed in pencil "J. Karle '75" lower right. Housed in a carved and painted frame and mounted onto a linen mat. Sight: 16 1/2" H x 20" W. Framed: 20 1/2" H x 24" W. Third quarter 20th century.

Private Nashville, TN Collection.

Overall good condition with two abrasions, one in the sea area and one in the upper right corner. Approximately 2" long, some paint loss or rubbing to the perimeter of the work. Board with areas of natural age shrinkage.