112: B.J.O. NORDFELDT (1878-1955) PWAP SIGNED LITHOGRAPH

Bror Julius Olsson Nordfeldt (1878-1955)
Rio en Medio (1936)
This rare stone lithograph was printed under the auspices of the Depression-era New Deal program to employ artists and create art for public buildings and parks. The work is signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right and stamped 'Public Works of Art Project, Thirteenth Regional Committee, Santa Fe, New Mexico.' verso. The sheet is unframed.

This rare image, like many others in this auction form the same collection has never been offered at auction, according to the major databases that track sales of art at auction.

The composition depicts a church and adjacent structures beyond a steep hillside where a figure walks behind a horse drawn plow. The style reflects that of the Modernist movement that developed around Santa Fe beginning in the 1920s with the famous Los Cincos pintores (The Five Painters) group. The New Mexico Museum of Art, which has this image in their collection, was awarded a grant by the WPA to mat and conserve Nordfeldt's prints from this period, reflecting the importance of this documentary of that region during the difficult period of the middle 1930s. Bror Julius Olsson Nordfeldt, like the Five Painters, documented the people of the region and their struggles in his art.

This is a nicely saturated example and in excellent condition.

No record of this print ever having been offered at auction could be found.
Image measures 9.75 x 13, sheet is 14 x 16.75 inches.
Very good plus condition, the full untrimmed sheet not laid down, no damage, stain, punctures, tears or repair.
$1,000 - $1,500