Alexander Brook (American, 1898-1980). Portrait of a Little Girl, The Saturday Evening Post cover, September 13, 1947. O...

Description

Alexander Brook (American, 1898-1980)
Portrait of a Little Girl, The Saturday Evening Post cover, September 13, 1947
Oil on canvas
22 x 16 inches (55.9 x 40.6 cm)
Signed lower right: A. Brook

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Stuart, Sr., gift from the above;
By decent to the present owner.

While today The Saturday Evening Post is most remembered for how its incredible art direction helped illustrators like J.C. Leyendecker and Norman Rockwell become integrated into the canon of American art, the magazine also worked to bring traditional fine artists like Alexander Brook to the attention of the mainstream public.

"The painting on this week's cover is one we intercepted on its way to a museum, where Alexander Brook's work is usually seen, and the art department presents it with considerable pride," art director Kenneth Stuart wrote in the interior description of the work. The model was Barbara Ann Sharpe, the child in Brook's Savannah, Georgia neighborhood. Much like Rockwell, Brook used his community for his models, and the internal psychological lives of these ordinary people was Brook's signature subject.

This moving image is characteristic of Brook's work, featuring his preferred muted color palate and evoking a sense of deep melancholy. It's a departure from a standard cover of The Saturday Evening Post of the period with historic and artistic interest.




*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.