The Lagoon

Ralph Albert Blakelock (American, New York, 1847 - 1919)
Oil on board
Circa: 1895
Size: 8" x 5 3/4" (site); 11 1/4" x 9" (frame)
A small complex work by Blakelock - an exploration of moonlight through a hazy darkness of twilight. At first the work appears highly abstracted, like a Turner seascape, however, when one sees the dark perimeter as foliage framing the improvised layers of color - red, yellow, orange and blue - one recognizes these as the last colors of a night sky - and the whole comes into focus. The painting then displays a depth, a perspective, not fully recogizable at first glance.

Signature: "R.A. Blakelock" in arrow lower right. Also inscribed, signed and dated on verso, "Sold to H. W. Watson May ??, 1896, R. A. Blakelock."

Ralph Albert Blakelock was a storied figure. An artist who truly suffered for his vision and just tried to get by. One who lived in abject poverty, while dealers made thousands off his talent. He eventually had a break down and was institutionalized. Learn more here.

This painting has been examined and authenticated by Norman Geske and assigned to the University of Nebraska's Blakelock Inventory, #468 Category I. A Category I Blakelock represents provenance dating from the age of Blakelock.

Provenance: H.W. Watson 1896, listed in the M. Knoedler & Co. photo library as of ca. 1915-16, Kennedy Galleries.

Exhibited: M. Knoedler & Co., "R. A. Blakelock," March 3-31, 1973.

Condition: Excellent. Edge wear. Original or period frame.

Price: SOLD

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