American School oil on canvas painting of a standing African American man, holding a carrying pole with a bucket attached to one end and a sack to the other. The barefooted figure wears tattered clothes and occupies a shallow space, likely a train station. A sign on the wall at left reads "KINGSTON FAIR SEPT. 9-10-11-12-1902" while a board behind the figure has been painted to read "[illegible] Kingston." Signed McWillard or M.C. Willard, lower left. With label of the Charles C. Calder artist supplies store, Providence, Rhode Island affixed to back of stretcher. Housed in a recessed wooden frame with gilt fillet. Canvas: 20" H x 16" W. Frame: 23 1/2" H x 19 1/2" W. Note: Affectionately referred to as "Little Rhody's Big Fair," the Kingston Fair took place in Kingston, Rhode Island (now within the town of South Kingstown in Washington County) annually during the late 19th and well into the 20th century. Organized by the Washington County Agricultural Society, the fair was a popular regional event that was heavily advertised and attended. This painting likely depicts Kingston's historic railroad station, built in 1875, which still operates today.

CONDITION: Excellent condition.