Frederick Stuart Church (New York, Michigan, 1842-1924) "Out for Spin," oil on canvas painting depicting a young woman seated at the bow of a rowboat manned by four cherubs, each holding an oar, the scene observed by two seagulls on a bank, lower left. Inscribed, signed, and dated "F.S. Church NY 1904" lower left. Gilt placard with title and artist's name, affixed lower center of frame. Housed in a Louis XIV style giltwood frame with pierced corners and centers. Sight: 15 3/4" H x 42 3/4" W. Framed: 30 1/4" H x 57" W x 4" D. Artist Biography: "Known for his decorative work, especially of anthropomorphic animals, Frederick Stuart Church was a native of Michigan who had a long career in New York City. He had in-depth knowledge of animal anatomy, which was evident in the depictions of this subject in oil, watercolor, and etchings. His first allegorical compositions were produced in the mid-1870s. Although he was a strong believer in academic training, Church did not visit Europe until late in life and felt that foreign art had little to teach Americans. He was directed by his parents toward a business career, and worked from the age thirteen to seventeen for the American Express Company in Chicago. He did a lot of drawing in his spare time. For three years, he served in Union artillery during the Civil War, and then returned to Chicago where he studied at the Chicago Art Academy with Walter Shirlaw. In 1870, he moved to New York and studied at the National Academy of Design with Lemuel Wilmarth and at the Art Students League. Early on, he earned his living as a commercial artist including illustrations for "Harper's Weekly." His illustrations often featured black and white drawings of animals. He also worked in watercolors and oils and was skilled as an etcher. He was a member of the National Academy of Design." (source: 300 YEARS OF AMERICAN ART by Michael David Zellman, published by The Wellfleet Press, Secaucus, 1987).

PROVENANCE: Private Knoxville, Tennessee collection. Purchased at Case Auctions, July 24, 2021, lot #148, from the estate of Edith (Edie) M. Bass, Nashville, Tennessee, by descent from her parents, Walter Paul McBride and Claire Childs of Lake Forest, Illinois.

CONDITION: Overall good condition with craquelure throughout. Frame with minor abrasions/areas of loss to gilt.