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Cornelius Haly Hankins (Mississippi/Tennessee, 1863-1946) oil on canvas still life painting depicting a basket of fruit, nuts and nutcracker beside a frosted fruitcake and a bottle of wine, set against a dark, indistinct background. Signed “Cornelius Hankins” lower right and dated “Xmas 1897”. Housed in a giltwood Aesthetic Movement style frame. Sight: 23 1/2 in H x 15 1/2 in W. Frame: 24 in W x 32 in W. Biography: Mississippi-born Cornelius Hankins studied art in Nashville in 1883 under Professor Edwin M. Gardner and with Robert Henri, leader of the Ashcan School in St. Louis, and noted American Impressionist William Merritt Chase in New York. He taught in Richmond, Virginia for about 5 years before returning to Nashville to teach at the Nashville School of Art. He painted a number of landscapes and still lifes, including the present example, but made most of his income from portraits. He painted a number of prominent Southern subjects including Civil War officers and several governors.
PROVENANCE: The estate of Billie Ann Smith, Nashville, TN.
CONDITION: Lined canvas; fine craquelure throughout. UV light inspection reveals scattered retouch, most notably to upper left background, and a 1″ repaired tear to center of fruitcake.
