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Alfred Jacob Miller Elk Oil Painting

Currency:USD Category:Art / General - Paintings Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Alfred Jacob Miller Elk Oil Painting
Preview
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite#309
Reno, NV 89511
Thursday April 11, 10am-6pm
* Preview also available by appointment

Live Auction
Friday & Saturday
April 12-13, 2012
9am PDT starting time, both days

Location
Atlantis Casino & Resort
Grand Ballroom #4
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Lot Pick Up
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite #309
Reno, NV 89511
Sunday April 14th, 10am-1pm

This oil painting on canvas, acquired at an estate sale in 2000, features eight elk fleeing. One of the elk in the foreground has fallen to the ground, and the other seven bucks and does seem eager to escape. The Flight is inscribed in yellow paint on the lower left corner of this 21.5 x 11.5 painting. The canvas has been glued and nailed to a simple wooden frame that has in turn been encased in a larger wooden frame, 28 x 18, painted gold. The frame bears some minor damage in the form of chips and dings, but the painting itself is free of holes or damage. The reverse of the canvas does not bear any information regarding the date or artist--who was likely an amateur painter. The presence of faint cracks and texture in the piece indicate that it is indeed an oil painting. The canvas has been nailed to the frame with round-head nails, which indicate modernity. A wire has also been affixed to the rear of the frame, making this item ready to hang. Although no information about the artist is available, this painting features fine brushwork and detail in the elk. The consignor believes that, although unmarked, this painting was produced by Alfred Jacob Miller (1810-1874), a Baltimore-born painter who became the first of his generation to explore the Rocky Mountains. Careful comparison of the elk in this painting and the major known species of elk suggests that these eight are Rocky Mountain Elk, which seem to be a likely subject matter for this Miller, who spent many years painting and sketching scenes of the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade. Comparison of the sky and grasses in this painting with other known Miller works, such as War Ground reveals similar palletes and techniques, suggesting that this painting may in fact be a Miller work. HKA#61482