$116,000
William J. McCloskey (American, 1859-1941) Peaches Signed, inscribed and dated "W.J.McCloskey NY 189..." l.r., partial label and canvas stamp on the reverse. Oil on canvas, 11 x 24 in. (27.9 x 60.9 cm), framed. Condition: Retouched tack holes to corners, minor retouch to u.r. edge. Provenance: Through a private Pennsylvania estate. N.B. Born in Philadelphia in 1859, William Joseph McCloskey studied art there before marrying another artist, Alberta Binford. The two moved to Los Angeles, where they opened a studio and quickly rose to the top of their profession in the southern California art scene. The McCloskeys eventually moved to New York around 1885, thus beginning the nomadic life that would characterize their careers. Both William and Alberta focused on still lifes and portraiture. Their two styles were very closely related; both artists learned from one another and even collaborated on several portraits. During their time in New York, William began to paint the still lifes of fruit for which he is now famous. The origin of the wrapped fruit may have been in McCloskey's experiences in California, where he might have seen first-hand the way in which oranges were packed and shipped.1 1. Moure, Nancy Dustin Wall. Partners in Illusion: Alberta Binford and William J. McCloskey. Santa Ana: Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 1996.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2006-03-03
