Original F.M. Spiegle Painting
Item Details
An original oil on board painting by well listed wildlife genre painter Frederick Moladore Spiegle (1863-1942). This painting is especially significant because it was an illustration for Hercules Gun Powder; its racist depiction of African-Americans however is absolutely deplorable, and yet also historically significant, as the past cannot be denied. The artist produced a series of paintings similar to this for the Hercules Powder Co. in the early 20th century. This particular painting is supposed to have been completed in 1923-24. The artist has delivered what was then viewed as a comical illustration of an African-American father and son, befuddled in their quest to bag some game. Of course the illustration now comes across as incredibly offensive. The intense exaggeration of facial features and implication of stupidity on the part of the subjects are all hallmarks of the American institutionalization of racist iconography in everything from postcards and souvenirs, to minstrelsy and advertising campaigns. This painting is a harsh reminder of what’s arguably the darkest chapter of America’s history, following that which began it, the displacement and genocidal purge of Native American populations. These problems linger today, perhaps more subtlety and insidiously. The painting does not appear to be signed, unless on the back or out of frame, however there is no question as to who painted it. The painting is presented in a wooden beveled frame with white paint.
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Condition
- Fair, worn in a manner consistent with age, some minor scuffing and wear to surface of painting.
Dimensions
image: 15.5"w x 19.5"h
Item #
14CIN252-343
