Solitary Tree at Sunset

Ralph Albert Blakelock (American, New York, 1847 - 1919)
Signed lower right "R. A. Blakelock" in arrow
Oil on board (mounted on canvas)
Circa: 1885
Size: 5 1/4" x 6 7/8" (sight); 8 7/8" x 10 1/2" (frame)
This moving work displays Blakelock's signature dark foreground and sunset sky built with layers of complex paint work with an atypical subject of a solitary tree at its focus. The solitary tree stands starkly against the glowing sunset sky which reflects in the water beside the tree. Signed lower right "R. A. Blakelock" in arrow.

Ralph Albert Blakelock was a storied figure. An artist who truly suffered for his vision and just tried to get by. One who lived in abject poverty, while dealers made thousands off his talent. He eventually had a break down and was institutionalized. Learn more here.

This painting has been examined and authenticated by Norman Geske and assigned to the Nebraska Blakelock Inventory as NBI-2186B Category II.

Collections: Blakelock's work is part of every major American museum including; The Brooklyn Museum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, Detroit Institute of Arts, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, and the Wadsworth Athenaeum, CT.

References: RALPH ALBERT BLAKELOCK, Abraham A. Davidson, 1996; THE UNKNOWN BLAKELOCK, Karen O. January, 2008.

Condition: Excellent. A couple very minor spots of retouch.

Price: SOLD

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