$17,775
Edward Mitchell Bannister (American, 1828-1901) Forest Interior Unsigned, estate stamped on the reverse, incised "G. A. Foster" beneath multiple estate stamps on the reverse. Oil on artist board, 18 3/16 x 12 1/8 in. (46.1 x 31.0 cm), framed. Condition: Wear to edges of artist board, tack hole in each upper corner, minor paint losses along left edge at center, fine craquelure. N.B. Anne Louise Avery, who is preparing the catalogue raisonné of Edward Mitchell Bannister's paintings and drawings, has written an authentication analysis of Forest Interior . The following information is drawn from her report. The forest is a constant in E. M. Bannister's artistic imagination. The artist was endlessly and passionately inspired by the trees and deep ancient woods of the East Coast. Tree-shaded paths, winding through, entering, or skirting the forest interior, are familiar motifs in Bannister's work. Often, the pathways are punctuated by bucolic figures, such as a woodcutter or cow herder. Others suggest man's presence more subtly through built structures such as fences. However, some, such as this forest scene, suggest a human presence only by a man-made path. The composition of Forest Interior , with the strong vertical structure of the dominant oak tree and the curving path drawing the eye into the spatial recesses of the painting, represents a framework typical of Bannister. The small opening of pale blue sky and white clouds, letting light and energy into the work, is
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2010-05-21
