Lot 385: L. Pearl Saunders Ceramic Tile, Nashville Parthenon

Leora Pearl Saunders (American/Tennessee,1878-1947) hand colored Arts & Crafts era ceramic tile depicting The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee. Signed lower left, monogram. C. 1915. Housed in a black shadowbox frame. Early 20th c. framing label en verso for A. Shank & Co., Nashville, with more recent gallery label for Steven Thomas Inc., Woodstock, VT. Tile approx. 5"H x 7"W. Frame: 9 1/2"H x 11 1/4"W. Note: Nashville's Parthenon, a full sized replica of the original in Greece, was constructed in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It continues in use today as an art museum and historic site. Biography: Leora Pearl Saunders studied art at various schools in Tennessee and at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League of New York. Saunders was featured in a 1911 article in Keramic Studio. In 1912, she was awarded a prize from the Centennial Club of Nashville for a logo design that she had created. She later became a WPA artist, a member of the American Federation of Art, Tennessee chapter, and the Director of the School of Art and Applied Design of Nashville, which was founded in 1907 and offered classes in drawing, painting, illustration, design and its application.

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee Collection, purchased Toomey & Co. Auction June 28, 2020; ex-Steven Thomas Inc.

CONDITION: Tile appears to be in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Needs reinforcement in frame. Not examined out of frame. Some slight wear to frame.