BOSTON, MASS.- An original painting by Norman Rockwell of R. E. Roberson will be auctioned by Boston-based
RR Auction.
The distinguished portrait of Roberson was painted in 1971 while he served as the fifth president of American Mutual Insurance Company.
The painting is accomplished oil on canvas board, signed in the lower right in red paint, “Norman Rockwell.” Beautifully framed with a small nameplate plaque at the bottom of the frame, reading: “R. Earl Roberson, President 1964-1975.”
Provenance: Collection of Charles G. Martignette, Heritage, 2010. This portrait is reproduced as figure P118 on page 1003 of Norman Rockwell: A Definitive Catalogue by Laurie Moffatt, published by The Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge in 1986.
As the preeminent painter-illustrator of the 20th century, Rockwell is an iconic American artist and his original artwork is of the utmost desirability. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for his ‘vivid and affectionate portraits of our country,’ and this warm, vibrant oil painting exemplifies his distinctive style.
Among other items to be featured:
Alfred Stieglitz archive from the Photographer and modern art promoter, husband of Georgia O'Keeffe, who was instrumental over his fifty-year career in making photography an accepted art form. The incredible archive of over 50 letters from Alfred Stieglitz to noted writer and critic Lewis Mumford, consisting almost entirely of ALSs, most signed "Stieglitz," dating from 1925 to 1946, comprising over 100 pages.
Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi letter describing the Statue of Liberty. The three-page handwritten letter, December 21, 1882. Letter to "Mr. Brown," describing the Statue of Liberty. In part: "I would be very glad if you could come to Paris somewhat early in the summer, because I am generally abroad during Augustus and September. You will find our grand statue about finished, builded up in the yard of our workshop, towering all around her in the neighbourhood.”
The Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction from RR Auction began on September 28 and will conclude on October 10.
