9: ERIC SLOANE (1905-1985) OIL FOR ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH

Eric Sloane (1905-1985)
Poling Out (Mid 20th Century)
The oil on Masonite signed lower right front in black pigment, and titled lower left in white, depicts duck hunters on a marsh, presumably in New England from which the artist hails, though he traveled most of the U.S.

Standing and poling a boat, as seen here, is the best, if not only, way to navigate the shallow waters of a marsh.

Eric Sloane got his start as a sign painter which led to painting mascots and names and tail numbers on early aviators' planes, which led to learning to fly, which led to an intense interest in and love of clouds and weather. A quick search produces six books on weather authored by this artist. Thus, it is no surprise that the majority of Eric Sloane paintings include a study of cloud formations and a depiction of the atmospheric moment. Here, the winter sky is streaked with color and low slung clouds early morning as the sky evolved from monochromatic to morning colors.

According to the artist's biography from the Archives of askART.com, Amelia Earhardt bought Sloane's first cloud painting.
Board measures 15.25 x 19.5 with a framed size of 19.75 x 24 inches.
Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up. Examination under UV light confirms the complete absence of inpainting or touch-up.
$3,000 - $5,000