Lot 330: Julius Delbos W/C, Lookout Mountain from Blue Goose Hollow, Chattanooga, TN, c. 1950

Julius Maximilian Delbos (English/American, 1879-1970) watercolor street scene painting on paper set in Blue Goose Hollow (now Westside Neighborhood), an African American neighborhood in Chattanooga, TN, with Lookout Mountain in the distance. Houses and figures cast long shadows into the streets of a neighborhood populated with African American men, women, and children who carry out daily tasks including laundry. A group of chickens idle at lower right. Signed lower left. Housed under plexiglass in a painted wood frame. Sight: 12 3/4 in H x 20 1/4 in W. Frame: 16 5/8 in H x 24 3/8 in W. Note: Chattanooga’s historic Blue Goose Hollow was a predominantly African American community whose residents included the Blues singer Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues” and considered one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century. In the 1950s, redevelopment plans led to the demolition of over 1,100 buildings and the displacement of over 1,400 residents of the neighborhood. Today images of this important American community are scarce. (Source: Blue Goose Hollow Artistic Trailhead Marker Project, Public Art Chattanooga). Biographical Note: Born in London, Delbose moved to New York City in 1920. He also spent time on Martha’s Vineyard and traveled frequently throughout his life, including regular visits to Georgia and Tennessee. He was a member of the American Watercolor Society; the New York Watercolor Club; the Society of Graphic Art; Old Dudley Art Society, London; American Artists Professional League; National Arts Club; Salmagundi Club; and the Century Club.

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition, with fresh colors. Even toning to sheet. Not examined out of frame. Frame with minor abrasions and slightly loose lower-right corner.