CLEMENTINE HUNTER (1886-1988). Cane River and Melrose Plantation Scene. Oil on canvasboard. 24in. x 36in.. Signed lower ...

Description

CLEMENTINE HUNTER (1886-1988)
Cane River and Melrose Plantation Scene
Oil on canvasboard
24in. x 36in.
Signed lower right

This major painting by Clementine Hunter (most of her known paintings are of smaller size) is the largest-scale work that has ever been to auction out of 189 recorded auction results. It is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a principal work of one of the greatest folk artists and "memory painters" of the South. This painting depicts a typical day or week at Melrose Plantation. Along the bottom of the painting flows the Cane River. Along the top of the painting are the two most important "institutions" of the plantation -- the main house of Melrose Plantation and St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Shelby R. Gilley, author of the book Painting by Heart -- the Life and Art of Clementine Hunter, Louisiana Folk Artist, by St. Emma Press, and Clementine Hunter's dealer, says the following of Cane River and Melrose Plantation Scene:

"This original Clementine Hunter painting shows various scenes. Shown at the top of the piece are the main house of Melrose Plantation and St. Augustine Catholic Church. There is one woman and three small girls walking to the church. Also shown are Yucca house and Ghana house from Melrose. The cotton gin is in the lower portion of the painting with two figures ginning cotton. Also shown are figures threshing pecans from the tree and picking them up off the ground. There are two figures washing clothes, one using a washboard and the other washing them in a large black pot. In the bottom left are two figures picking cotton. The background is yellow and the signature is in the lower right-hand portion of the piece and is indicative of the painting's originality and date."

Accompanying the painting are four photographs of Clementine Hunter (one is with Clementine and the original owner of the painting), a signed copy of the book Painting by Heart -- The Life and Art of Clementine Hunter, Louisiana Folk Artist, by Shelby R. Gilley, and an appraisal of the painting by Shelby R. Gilley.

Provenance:
Clementine Hunter
Jack Womack
Acquired from the above by the present owner



More information about CLEMENTINE HUNTER. See also: Hunter, Clementine, Clementine Hunter Artist.

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