Courtney Allen (American, 1896-1969), ink and wash on paper depicting circus clowns performing for two onlookers with aerialists in the background, circa 1940, artist signed 'Courtney Allen' at lower left, 19"h x 24.25"w sight, overall dimensions incuding frame 27"h x 32"w x 1"d. Born in New Rochelle, New York, Courtney Allen was a noted illustrator, educator and painter. He began his formal training at the prestigious Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C and later attended the Cape Cod School in Provincetown where he studied with Charles Hawthorne. After serving active duty during World War II in France, Allen return to the states where he illustrated for a number of books and magazines and taught at the Hugenot School of Art. His art has been exhibited at the National Academy, the Chrysler Art Museum, and the Hudson Valley Art Association.