Walker’s ‘Cabin Scene’ could fetch up to $15,000
An artistic depiction of life in the post-Reconstruction American South, the creation of William Aiken Walker, will come before bidders during Crescent City Auction Gallery’s Nov. 17-19 auction.
NEW ORLEANS – A 19th century oil on board painting by South Carolina artist William Aiken Walker (1838-1921), an oil on cardboard work by folk artist Clementine Hunter (1887-1988), and a bronze figural group from around 1900 by French sculptor Alfred Boucher (1850-1934) will all come up for bid at Crescent City Auction Gallery’s Nov. 17-19 estates auction.
The three-day event will occur in the firm’s gallery at 1330 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 (340 lots); at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 (750 lots); and at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19 (389 lots). All times are Central. Furthermore, the color catalog is visible at www.crescentcityauctiongallery.com. Online bidding is available via LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. In addition, telephone and absentee bids are also acceptable.
Walker Represents With "Cabin Scene"
The oil on board painting by William Aiken Walker is one of the lots garnering attention ahead of the sale. It carries a presale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000. "Cabin Scene," is an example of Walker's skillful approach to artistry: depicting life in the post-Reconstruction American South, especially the lives of sharecroppers. In conclusion, the 5 1/2 inch by 11 1/2 inch painting includes his signature lower left.
Clementine Hunter is sometimes called “the black Grandma Moses,” since both women were self-taught folk artists who lived to be 100 years old. In Hunter’s case, she didn’t even begin painting until she was in her 50s.There are two paintings by her in the sale. Most noteworthy is a painting titled Cotton Pickers, circa 1975. It’s 13 1/2 inches by 17 inches and is signed lower right ($2,000-$4,000).
Skill of Rodin's Mentor Shines
In addition, Alfred Boucher was the son of a farmhand who became the gardener of the sculptor Joseph-Marius
Ramus who, after recognizing Boucher’s talent, opened his studio to him. He went on to become a mentor to Camille Claudel and a friend of Auguste Rodin. His patinated bronze figural group titled Au But Les Coureurs, standing 13 1/4 inches tall, is expected to bring $3,000 to $5,000.
The auction will have an eclectic mix of offerings, ranging from Newcomb College art pottery to fine French and American period furniture to original artworks to jewelry, plus clocks and decorative items.
Finally, for more information about Crescent City Auction Gallery and the upcoming Nov. 17-19 three-day estates auction, visit www.crescentcityauctiongallery.com.
