Property from a Private Collection, Charleston, SC

Description:

William Aiken Walker (SC, 1839-1921), Possum Hunter, Oil on Board, signed lower left, depicting a man standing in a field of cotton holding a possum by the tail, inscription with title and measurements on verso, with John Hanna Galleries Detroit label on frame, in a giltwood frame. Frame size: 18 1/8 in. x 12 in.

William Aiken Walker was an American painter known for his depictions of Black Americans in the post-Reconstruction South. Born and raised in South Carolina, Walker served in the Confederate Army before an injury gave him time to paint. He spent the latter half of the war as a draftsman creating maps and drawings of Charleston’s defenses. When the war ended, he moved to Baltimore and created small paintings of the ‘Old South’ to sell to tourists. He also supported himself by hand-coloring photographs and travelled in search of commissions. Two of his paintings were reproduced by Currier and Ives as color lithographs. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the MFA, Boston, Virginia Museum of Fine Art, Parrish Art Museum, Morris Museum of Art and the High Museum of Art, among others.

Measurements: Height: by sight, 12 1/8 in. x Width: 6 in.

Condition:

Good condition, minor inpainting on either side of tail and to right of back legs of possum, craquelure, some rubbing along left frame edge, frame with some chips and losses.

Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. PHOTOS MAY ALSO ACT AS A CONDITION REPORT. Please review all photos closely prior to bidding. Complete condition reports are available by request, no later than 24 hours prior to the live auction. All lots are offered and sold 'AS IS’, and Everard Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. We do not guarantee the condition of frames. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you agree to be bound by the conditions of sale. Everard Auctions does not provide any shipping or packing services. We recommend that all potential buyers obtain pack/ship estimates prior to bidding. Please contact us for a list of recommended shippers.