$420
Albert Staehle (American 1899-1974) gouache; marked verso; double matted and framed under glass; measures approximately 25-1/4" x 22" with frame and has a sight image of approximately 17-1/4" x 14-5/8"; in good overall condition with some marks to matting. Albert Staehle, the illustrator made famous by the Smokey the Bear character for the National Forest Service and many other advertisement illustrations, including a long run for Carter's Ink (cats), Swan Soap (swans), and Imperial Whiskey (various wildlife), was born in Munich, Bavaria in 1899. The artist moved to New York City in 1914 when his father, an American newspaper illustrator, relocated the family. Albert Staehle attended The Art Students League and studied under George Bridgman. He later studied with Hans Hofmann in both New York and at the Wicker School of Art in Detroit. At age 16 he was working as a commercial artist. In 1932 Staehle opened Kent Studios in New York with Albert Dorne, a noted American illustrator. The studio became one of the most successful art studios in New York City. Staehle is also known for his Saturday Evening Post covers, which often were of his beloved cocker spaniel, Butch. Butch appeared on twenty-five covers in five years and was number one in newsstand sales. Butch and Staehle did much work for charity, and in 1956 Butch was named the mascot for the United States Navy and appeared on recruitment posters. Albert Staehle died on April 4, 1974 in Florida.
Auctioneer:
Bremoauctions
Date:
2016-07-16