Jean Thompson Lake (1929 - 1976)
Jean Thompson Lake (1929 - 1976)
Jean T. Lake (1929 - 1976)
”Southern Landscape - Mother and Children”
Gouache & Ink on Paper
6 1/2 x 8 inches (painting)
18 1/4 x 20 1/4 inches (original frame)
Signed “Lake” (base of tree)
Up for sale is an exceptionally rare original painting by the celebrated Troy, Alabama primitive/folk artist Jean T. Lake. This celebrated American female folk artist depicting incredibly detailed Southern images, generally of black life, with a sense of love, respect and delicacy. Jean was self taught becoming a painter only later in her life making her body of work small comparatively to other artists practicing their whole life. Original compositions from the artist are scarcely seen and even less offered for sale making this a rare opportunity to acquire a work by such a talented artist.
This painting is executed in gouache and ink on paper measuring 6.5 x 8 inches while its original frame, assembled by the artists husband, measures 18.25 x 20.25 inches. Signed in the low right corner, just at the base of the tree “Lake” the original artists biography is attached verso. This image depicts a black family in front of their steel roof house. The mother stands at the works center wearing a vibrant red dress and orange head scarf stirring a large cast iron pot atop a blazing fire. To the right a line of drying clothes is strung between a rusty drum and the tree holding up a pair of pants and a delicate, colorful quilt. Two young boys are seen to the right climbing a tree while the other sits in their tree house consisting of planks of wood. The level of detail is exceptional from the smallest of details from the wood slats and bricks the home is constructed of to the figures, their clothes and details of the bark and leafs of the tree. There is no surprise as to why Jean T. Lake is such a celebrated Alabama native for her beloved paintings of everyday life which she so wanted to preserve with nostalgia as she noticed it was a fleeting scene.
The condition of this painting is exceptional, free from any blemishes or imperfections. The painting has fortunately remained in its original frame which was built and assembled by the artists husband and is also in good condition through may show minimal cosmetic imperfections. The images provided accurately represent the quality, condition and aesthetic beauty of this fine painting by Jean Lake but if you have any questions please feel free to as prior to purchasing!