IRVING WILES (American 1861-1948) A PAINTING, "Pathway in the Garden," oil on panel, signed L/R. The verso painted with a oil study of a seascape. 10" x 14" NOTE: Born in Utica, New York, Irving Wiles was educated at the Sedgwick Institute, Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He considered a career as a violinist, but rather began to learn the basics of art from his father and Lemuel Maynard Wiles, at the age of 17. The following year he had exhibited at the National Academy of Design. He then studied at the Art Students League under James Carroll Beckwith and William Merritt Chase from 1879 to 1881. Chase not only influenced his style, but also became a lasting friend, choosing Wiles to complete the portrait commissions left unfinished at his death. In 1882 he went to Paris as a student of Carolus-Duran, Boulanger, and Jules Lefebvre, attending the Academie Julien. When Wiles returned to New York City in 1884, he found it necessary to divide his time between painting and illustrating for Century, Harper's and Scribner's magazines, since portrait work was not sufficient. In 1897 he was elected to the National Academy of Design and thereafter more time was dedicated to his oil figure and portraiture work. With a "free, dashing style," he established himself as a portrait, landscape, and genre painter in New York. He won numerous prestigious prizes in New York and at the Paris Salon. He was one of eight painters commissioned by the National Art Committee to paint the history of World War I. President Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryant sat for Wiles. Source: Michael David Zellman, 300 Years of American Art Shannon Auction, 10/24/02. Provenance: Estate of the late Charles A. and Betti F. Saunders, Houston, Texas.

An approximately two inch crack is noted to the board at right, otherwise in very good condition. The verso seascape painting with some tape residue at edges, dust debris, scratches, areas with small paint chip losses, and two areas of writing in black and red, in good to fair condition. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."

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