Jun 13, 2013 - Sale 2318

Sale 2318 - Lot 5

Price Realized: $ 4,320
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800
RALPH ALBERT BLAKELOCK
Indian Encampment on a River Bank.

Oil on canvas. 230x385 mm; 9x15 1/4 inches. Signed in oil, lower left recto.

Blakelock (1847-1919) was a New York City-born self-taught artist who initially followed in his father's footsteps by studying medicine before pursuing his passion for art. Instead of spending time abroad in Europe to further his art career, as was his father's suggestion and the path for most American artists with the means to do so, Blakelock sojourned through the American West from 1869 to 1872. His affinity for the Hudon River School is apparent in his atmospheric and idealized landscapes, though his works are often heavier, moodier and darkly mysterious (Blakelock was plagued by psychological troubles throughout his career). Indian encampments were among his favorite subjects, as he stayed with American Indians repeatedly during his western travels.