Howard Chandler Christy

Sale: Sotheby's, New York, January 11, 1968, lot 69
Nelson A. Rockefeller, New York (acquired at the above sale)
Gift from the above to Malcolm Wilson, 1968
By descent to the present owner

Oil on canvas, canvas is lined. Surface: In generally good condition. UNDER UV: One small area of inpainting on the bodice of the female figure.
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.

Howard Chandler Christy first gained national acclaim as an artist and reporter for Scribner’s and Leslie’s Weekly during the Spanish-American War. During this time, his depictions of beautiful young women began to be known as “Christy Girls”. The “Christy Girl” was an archetype of the ideal American woman, embodying elegance, confidence, athleticism, and beauty.

In the early 1930s, Christy became interested in large scale historical and allegorical murals and paintings. The primary theme for these paintings, including the present work, was the Revolutionary War and the Founding Fathers. In the present work, Christy has incorporated his signature female figure as Lady Liberty. Painted in his sumptuous style, the drapery on the central figure invokes the feeling of movement, while clinging tightly to her body and accentuating her athleticism. A few years after he painted the present work, Christy was commissioned to create a poster for the Sesquicentennial of the United States Constitution in 1935. For this poster, he re-used the imagery of Lady Liberty appearing through the clouds.

This painting was a gift from New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller to his Lieutenant Governor, Malcolm Wilson, for his 54th birthday. Following his career in politics, Mr. Wilson served as the Chief Executive Officer for Manhattan Savings Bank from 1977 - 1986. During this time, the present work hung in the Manhattan Savings Bank offices at the Getty Square branch in Yonkers.