LEWIS CARLETON RYAN (1894-1982) pair of Southwestern & California woodblock prints

Fine Art : Printmaking : American 20th Century : Southwestern American Art

 

Pair of woodblocks, unframed, one in fresh color, of a Mexican in high traditional sombrero and chaps on a bull or donkey, 8 3/8" by 10 7/8" (the sheet---image itself is 7" by 9"), the figure strumming on a guitar in a moonlit scene of cactus and adobe, titled at lower left "Estrellita" (little star) and dated 27. This is a fine example of the printmaker's art. It could fall under the category "Mexicana", for sure. Condition is good with minor handling creases in the margins and light browning of the paper; it's lightly taped to old board at just the top corners currently. The other, in black and white, is titled "Aurora Nevada/Ghost Town", and is also signed at lower right. Unfortunately this second one is severely damaged so I am merely throwing it in with the moonlight scene. It measures 8 3/8" by 11 1/2". Ryan was born in Texas late in the 19th century and worked in Southern California for many years. According to the Askart listing, the Escondido library in north San Diego county maintains his archives and holds many prints. With the recent popularity of printmakers like Gustav Baumann of New Mexico, William Seltzer Rice, Birger Sandzen, and the woodblock printmakers of the east coast, this should be a choice acquisition for any collector. SEE HUNDREDS OF WORKS NOW IN MY SHOP.

Item ID: JB0989