Howard Pyle (American, 1853-1911) The Trial of a Witch

Description:

Howard Pyle (American, 1853-1911)

The Trial of a Witch
Initialed "H.P." l.r.
Oil on canvasboard en grisaille, 24 1/4 x 16 1/4 in. (61.5 x 41.2 cm),framed.
Condition: Retouch, surface grime.


Provenance: A private New England collection.


N.B. Howard Pyle is one of America's foremost illustrators, known for his dramatic scenes and interest in American history. Pyle also dedicated himself to teaching; he founded the Drexel Institute in Philadelphia and later established the Brandywine School of American Illustration. His students, known as the Brandywine School, included Maxfield Parrish, Jessie Willcox Smith, Violet Oakley, Stanley Arthurs, W.J. Aylward, Ida Daugherty, Harvey Dunn, George Harding, Percy Ivory, Thornton Oakley, Frank Schoonover, and N.C. Wyeth. Pyle produced illustrations for nearly 3,500 publications in addition to authoring and illustrating his own books, including The Story of King Arthur and his Knights, Men of Iron, and The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood.



This painting was an illustration for Giles Corey, Yeoman a play by Mary E. Wilkins. This play was published in the December 1892 edition of Harper's New Monthly Magazine.


Estimate $10,000-15,000

The work has been partially cleaned, primarily over the heads of the figures. Some of this or a previous cleaning may have resulted in small areas of skinning. The retouch is stokes and dashes, also primarily, but not exclusively, to the figures. There is fine (and stable) craquelure throughout. The painting would benefit from a gentle and even cleaning.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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