- 67
Norman Rockwell 1894 - 1978
Estimate
250,000 - 350,000 USD
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Description
- Norman Rockwell
- Freedom of the Press: Poor Richard's Almanac
- inscribed Norman Rockwell (lower right); also signed Norman Rockwell on a canvas fragment affixed to the stretcher
- oil on canvas
- 32 by 27 inches
- (81.3 by 68.6 cm)
- Painted circa 1930.
Provenance
Private Collection, by 1973
Roughton Galleries, Dallas, Texas
Sold: Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, October 29, 2004, lot 24127, illustrated
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale
Roughton Galleries, Dallas, Texas
Sold: Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, October 29, 2004, lot 24127, illustrated
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale
Condition
This canvas is unlined. The work is signed on a canvas fragment affixed to the stretcher. Under UV: there are areas of inpainting in Ben Franklin's clothing, most notably in his right arm. There are areas of inpainting in the paper that Franklin holds and in the bench at his feet. There are a few small spots in Franklin's forehead and one area of inpainting in the other figure's forehead. There are scattered small dots of inpainting in the background. There is one 1 ½ inch line of inpainting along top center left extreme edge.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
In a letter dated March 6, 1973, Norman Rockwell writes, "In reply to your letter of February 20th, I did the picture at least forty years ago when I lived in New Rochelle. I don't remember who posed for Ben Franklin, but I do know the printer in back of him was one of my favorite models, Fred Hildebrandt." A photocopy of this letter accompanies this lot.