Reynold Beal (Massachusetts, 1866/67-1951) watercolor on paper painting depicting a circus or carnival scene; children line up near several clowns, who appear distracted by female figures in the foreground. Three young men perch atop an electrical pole for a better view, while crowds below bustle around a carnival wagon and tents in the background. Signed and dated in red, "Reynolds Beal -1929-" lower center. Housed and matted under glass in a contemporary giltwood frame with basket weave design and a fluted giltwood fillet. Sight: 14 1/4" H x 18 1/2" W. Frame: 27 1/2" H x 32" W. Note: The elder brother of painter Gifford Beal, Reynolds was born in New York City. Beal painted the beaches in Provincetown, Key West, Rockport, Atlantic City and Wellfleet, circus scenes and carnivals. He used a variety of styles including Impressionism and Tonalism. As he got older, his work became more complex and vibrant. In addition to oils, he was admired as a watercolorist, and he and Gifford made Rockport, Massachusetts their home. Beal traveled widely. In November 1944, Reynolds and Gifford had a large joint exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Center (now Museum) in Fitchburg, MA, which included eighty-three oils, watercolors, and etchings that had been executed all over the world with subjects including Singapore, Trinidad, Samoa, China, Nassau, Egypt, Haiti, Cape Ann, Atlantic City, and Provincetown. By 1934, he was a participant in the Salmagundi Club, Lotus Club, Century Club, National Academy of Design, and the American Water Color Society. He was also a member of the Society of American Engravers and the National Arts Council. His progressive tenets marked him as a "modernist", and he helped found the Society of Independent Artists and the New Society of Artists, which consisted of fifty of the most important painters of the day, including George Bellows, Childe Hassam, John Sloan, William Glackens, and Maurice Prendergast.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Raymond White, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition; not examined outside of frame.