Cecil Crosley "Spike" Bell (American, 1906-1970) oil on canvas painting titled "Leaving Manhattan", 1939, depicting a woman and young boy on a ferry, looking back towards the Manhattan skyline in the distance so that only the woman's back and the boy's profile are visible, with a tugboat and birds in the middle ground. Signed and dated '39 lower left, with possible additional signature, date and title en verso of stretcher. Housed in a giltwood and painted frame. Sight: 20" H x 24" W. Frame: 24" H x 28" W. Biography: "Cecil Bell was born in Seattle, WA in 1906, and he later moved to Staten Island, NY. It was in New York City where he found the inspiration for his work, the city and its people, focusing on daily life subjects. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League with John Sloan. Exhibition venues included the Corcoran Gallery, Museum of Modern Art and the Tacoma Art Museum." (Source: Peter Falk, "Who Was Who in American Art")

PROVENANCE: Private Tennessee Collection.

CONDITION: Crease to canvas across upper right corner; some waviness to canvas; lined. UV inspection reveals a moderate amount of scattered retouch, and a 1" repaired puncture to woman's hat.