$23,500
Leander Allen Plummer II (American, 1857-1914) Striped Bass Signed and dated "L A Plummer 1904" l. r., identified on a fragmentary label from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (see below) on the reverse. Carved and painted wood relief panel, 27 x 42 in. (68.5 x 106.5 cm). Condition: Cracks, losses. Exhibitions: St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, Commemorating the Louisiana Purchase, St. Louis, Missouri, 1904, number 578. N.B. Plummer worked initially as a mining engineer, but by 1883 was already changing direction, spending four years studying at the Academie Julian. As an avid fisherman and sportsman, he often turned to the wildlife of his native New Bedford for his subject matter. Eventual he even had a pool constructed by a local wharf so he could study live specimens. Having a great aptitude for wood carving as well as painting, Plummer began creating what he termed his "relief paintings;" carved and stain painted wooden panels like the one presented here. At the invitation of F.A. Whiting, who had seen Plummer's carvings at Doll and Richards Gallery in Boston, Plummer submitted three works for inclusion in the St. Louis Exposition, from which Striped Bass. was selected. Photocopies of the exposition catalogue entry, the jury selection information form and other correspondence accompany the lot.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2004-11-19
