Lot 182: Two Lou Burk Equine Illustration Art Paintings

Lou Burk (American, 1845-1914), two oil on canvas grisaille paintings of horses “Fedor” and “That’s Him”. Both horses are depicted standing, in landscape settings, with their names and various numbers painted in the scene below. Each signed “Lou Burk” lower left and dated 1890. In molded wood frames. Fedor Sight: 13 1/2 in. H x 19 1/2 in. W. Frame: 17 in. H x 23 in. W. That’s Him Sight: 14 1/2 in. H x 19 1/2 in. W. Frame 19 in. H x 23 in. W. Inscription en verso of Fedor notes that both horses were imported from Europe by a man named James Henry Scott (possibly James Henry Scott of Barren County, KY, b. 1842).  Note: Lou Burk was born in Kentucky in 1845. He grew up on a farm in Illinois and went on to a career painting cattle, horses and other animals for catalog illustrations for livestock farmers and breeders. Both of these paintings were likely done for catalog illustrations. 

CONDITION: Both overall good condition with light craquelure. “Fedor”: Small 1/4 in. flake upper center above horse’s head. “That’s Him”: Canvas has been affixed to wax paper backing. With retouch to minor loss in sky above neck, 1/2 in. x 1/8 in., and possible old retouch to neck. Three small holes up to 1/8 in. diameter upper right quadrant, background. Four small holes (about 1/16 in. ea.) to center right, affecting horse’s haunch and grass area. Extraneous white paint drip lower right corner. 1/4 in. flake lower left.