12: ALFRED MONTGOMERY (1857-1922) RARE FRUIT STILL LIFE

Alfred E A Montgomery (1857-1922)
(Late 19th Century)
The rare still life composition of apples is painted on academy board and signed lower left front by the 'Farmer Artist' Alfred Montgomery, best known for his depictions of impastoed corn.

This unusual work is notable, first, for the charm of its simple, primitive character. In addition, it appears to be an earlier than usual example from the artist's oeuvre, judging by the date of the medium. Pre-prepared artist's board mediums, in this case often referred to as 'Academy Board,' became common in the 1850s. Many American folk art paintings, as well as academic works, are found painted on boards with the F.W. Devoe & Co. label like this. And many of these paintings are inscribed with dates from the last half of the 19th century. The label found here suggests a date from the third quarter of the 19th century for this work. Truncated here, in full it would have read: Artists Academy Board Trade Mark F.W. Devoe & Co. Manufacturers of Artists' Tube Color Canvas Oil-Sketching Paper, Millboard, Bristle and Sable Brushes, Paints, Varnishes, Etc. Cor. Fulton and William Streets, New York. The most notable feature of this work is the rarity of its subject matter. Out of 100 Alfred Montgomery works listed on the database AskArt.com, only one other depicted apples in the composition.
Board measures 12 x 17 with a framed size of 17 x 21.5 inches.
Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of major scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up. Examination under UV light confirms the complete absence of inpainting or touch-up.
$2,500 - $4,000