FREDERIC WAINWRIGHT STEARNS (1903-) American illustration art 1932 Saturday Evening Post cover study of Annapolis naval officer

FREDERIC WAINWRIGHT STEARNS (1903-) American illustration art 1932 Saturday Evening Post cover study of Annapolis naval officer

Ink and watercolor drawing on paper of an idealized US Naval officer in his dress whites, with 15th and 16th century navigators and philosophers displayed in lower portion at his feet. THERE ARE ALSO CHARMING BONUS DRAWINGS ON THE BACK, of 1930's boxers and wrestlers,. The piece measures 14" by 10 1/2" inside the current mat (19" by 14" as framed), signed at lower right in pencil "F W Stearns 1932 6106 Christian St. Philadelphia, Penna". This is apparently a never published submission study for the magazine. Many artists of the time aspired to the coveted Post cover, and competition was fierce, but those who succeeded were either at or approaching the pinnacle of American illustration at the time. This work has an Art Deco feel with the dress uniform, striping, and round porthole-like orange disk of the sun behind the central figure. It has been suggested that the image is a naval officer in his full dress whites, at a graduation from Annapolis' Naval Academy. Condition is good, with general toning of the paperboard, a small loss at extreme left edge, and two diagonal parallel creases at extreme lower left. If you find these troublesome, you could just mat them out, (along with the signature area at lower right, in the process). If you are a Deco art collector, or a Post fan, you might well find this an interesting addition to your collection. The artist is listed, having been born in Pittsburgh, but is most associated with Massachusetts. He studied with St. Gaudens, the famous American sculptor. Shipping wizard figures are guesstimates. SEE HUNDREDS OF OTHER WORKS NOW IN MY SHOP.

Item ID: JB01151

$395 USD

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