Archibald Willard (American, 1837-1918)
Pitching the tune
signed and dated 'A.M.Willard/1894' (lower left) oil on canvas
35 x 49 1/2in
signed and dated 'A.M.Willard/1894' (lower left) oil on canvas
35 x 49 1/2in
Sold for
US$ 6,710
inc. premium
Footnotes
- PROVENANCE:
Dr. Ben Culver, the artist's nephew
Private collection, Southern California
LITERATURE:
Willard F. Gordon, The Spirit of '76...An American Portrait: America's best known painting, least known artist, Fallbrook, CA, 1976, p.74,75, ill., 84, 87
Willard has long been known the general public as the creator of the iconic image 'The Spirit of '76. 'Pitching the Tune' was to be Willard's last major humorous painting. In this work he supposedly employed members of his family and a local ditch digger to act as model for the preacher, who was apparently taken aback that he would receive $5 to "Just to set and take it easy".
Auction Notices
- This lot is being sold with no reserve.
Category: Fine Art / American Paintings
Auction terms and conditions