This lot consists of an oil painting on board, done in the Naive art landscape style of William Henry Johnson (American, 1901-1970). A hand-painted inscription at lower left reads, "W.H. Johnson". This framed piece measures approximately 12.25" x 15.25" overall, with an approximate image sight of 8.25" x 11.25". Reverse side of canvas features a handwritten inscription, "William H. Johnson".

This handsome painting depicts an ocean scene of leaping, white-crested waves and soaring gulls. Beyond, a line of menacing storm clouds hang in the atmosphere, lending a gentle pressure and a curious juxtaposition to an otherwise bright image.

William Henry Johnson (1901-1970) was an African-American painter and printer who worked primarily in landscapes and portraiture. He received formal art training at the National Academy of Design in New York, where he was encouraged to even further expand his horizons. W.H. Johnson was soon off to France, where he worked, studied, and eventually met his wife, the Danish textile artist Holcha Krake. The pair traveled Europe and North Africa, living for extended periods in places like Denmark and Norway before returning to the United States at the close of the 1930s. Johnson worked his way through several artistic styles during his career, equally influenced by Impressionism and folk art. It was upon his return to America that W.H. Johnson undertook a consciously naive style. the artist worked for the WPA in New York and began painting in a consciously "naive" style. With the death of his wife in 1944, Johnson suffered a complete deterioration in his mental health. Though he returned to Denmark again, he would eventually move back to the States and became institutionalized for the remaining 23 years of his life. Today, his works are housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) in New York, among others.

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection from Upstate New York

DIMENSIONS:
Framed approx. 12.25" x 15.25"; image approx. 8.25" x 11.25".



Finger Lakes Auction has been commissioned to liquidate a once-in-a-lifetime fine art collection from an Upstate New York Estate. Pieces contained in this auction are some of the finest paintings ever to be offered through our Art Gallery.

PLEASE NOTE: Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in this catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

"In the style of" [Artist Name] : The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Overall excellent condition. Colors remain rich, vibrant, and visually pleasing. Little to no signs of serious aesthetic damage. Frame is structurally sound. Please examine photos for further detail.