19th Century Oil on Board “Tired Out” by Howard Eaton Helmick (American 1845-1907)

$2,450.00

In stock

SKU: 1236928 Categories: , Tags: , ,

Description

This delightful oil on board titled “Tired Out” by Howard Helmick depicts a young man sleeping in a pile of hay, with a pastoral country scene just beyond the barn’s entryway. Housed in a giltwood frame, the artist’s signature is located on the lower left corner, as well as on the back of the board along with the title.

Howard Eaton Helmick (1845-1907) was a highly accomplished American painter, etcher, designer, and illustrator brought up on a farm in Ohio. He was best known for his genre painting, using scenes from the peasant life of Ireland as topics for his greatest works. Helmick studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (from 1862-64), and subsequently gained admission to the Beaux Arts, being the second foreigner who was ever received there. He studied there under the guidance of the master Alexandre Cabanel and swiftly made a name for himself. He exhibited at the Salon in Paris in 1869 and at London’s Royal Academy. By 1879 he was an elected member of the Society of British Artists, and by 1881 the Society of Painter Etchers. He spent his life traveling and setting up studios in idyllic landscapes across France, England, and —most notably— Ireland.

Helmick stayed in cottages throughout Europe’s countryside, finding inspiration for his paintings amongst the natural beauty and rural culture. Helmick’s use of narrative to frame his stage-like scenes invites the viewer to interpret and reflect on the subject’s activities. These sensabilties can be seen readily in this artwork; the straw hat strewn on the ground, a sumptuous pile of hay, and a young peasant boy in a deep slumber. As suggested by the title, tired, perhaps, from a long day at work or play. His lips are slightly parted, hand curled, huddled in a comfortable pose up against the pile, and feet dug gently into strands of hay. He has a simple wardrobe composed of a white blouse, blue trousers, and a straw hat. In the corner, a view of the pasture with a far-off horizon, painted in enchanting dewy hues signifying early dusk.

Housed in an exquisitely carved period frame – a work of art in itself. This gorgeous piece resides in an ornate Louis XIII Baroque-style frame. The frame is adorned by corner rocaille cartouches, central alternating bead trim, and scrolling trim on the top edge. Louis XIII frames are characterized by a close bonding of ornamentation to the profile and straight rails with decorative borders.

This cozy scene invites the comfort of the pastoral into any space. This painting would be a lovely addition to a bedroom, library, or living room.

With Frame: H=14 in. W=12 in. D=2.5 in. 5 lbs.
Panel: H=8.5 in. W=7 in.

Additional information

Weight 5 lbs
Dimensions L 2.5 x W 12 x H 14 in
Material

Mahogany/ paint / gold leaf

Place of Origin

American

Style / Period

Genre Paintings

Year / Century

19th Century

Condition

The surface of the painting exhibits a very fine craquelure. There is also a slight discoloration from the varnish aging and dirt accumulation throughout the surface. Both are typical signs of a painting this old.

The painting is on a hardwood support. On the back of the wood panel, there are chips of wood along the beveled edges, concentrated around the nails. The frame is made from giltwood and gesso. Gold gilt has some discoloration and chips, as well as being stripped completely from handling along the top edge and inner border. Splittings at the top mitered corners. Oxidation of the wood from age. The back hardware has been replaced to ensure the longevity of the frame. There are small chips in the gesso on all of the corners and cartouches, note a larger chip on the upper left cartouche.

Although we are attempting to provide realistic online images, differences in lighting sources affect the real color contracts of the painting.

However, we recommend you consider the lighting in your home and how different lighting sources preserve the painting best and can improve the details the artist emphasized. We also recommend you determine the proper angle placement for the painting to avoid casting shadows or reducing glare to obtain the highest level of satisfaction from this artwork.

With Frame: H=14 in. W=12 in. D=2.5 in. 5 lbs.

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