Louis Michel Eilshemius (American, 1864-1941) Hula Dancers

Description:

Louis Michel Eilshemius (American, 1864-1941)

Hula Dancers
Signed "Elshemus" l.r.
Oil on pressed paperboard, 21 7/8 x 27 7/8 in. (55.5 x 70.6 cm),framed.
Condition: Possible retouch or natural pigment fluorescence at u.r. edge, small paint loss to l.l. corner, surface grime, subtle warping to support.

Provenance: Property of the Saint Louis Art Museum, sold to benefit the acquisition fund.
Estimate $2,000-3,000

The original St. Louis Art Museum catalog sheet dates this painting to 1901, but there is no other specific information to support that date. An article in the Bulletin of the City Art Museum of St. Louis, May 1943, describes the acquisition of the painting and states that it was "probably painted between 1908 and 1913." The painting was purchased in 1942. The museum's minutes list it with an alternative title, "South Sea Landscape with Figures," although this title is not documented elsewhere.

Retouch at u.c. edge, 8 inches in from the u.r. corner, measuring 3 1/2 inches across and 1 3/4 inches high. Other areas that fluoresce palely under UV seem to be spots where the pressed paperboard support shows through scrubby brushwork. Paint loss to l.l. corner measures 1/8 inch. Wear to the edges of the board and some mild bowing. Irregular paint surface to the l.r. corner below and to the right of the signature. Nail head stuck into the recto surface at top left side, which is under the lip of the frame and does not go through to the reverse. Scattered very minor paint losses. Surface grime.


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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