Gerald Harvey, "Doc's Rig" oil on canvas, 1968.
lower left, "Joe Jones". Canvas: 40.25"H x 29.25"W; Frame: 44.625"H x 33.625"W. PROVENANCE: Gift to private collector from the artist circa 1950. Sotheby's New York: May 24, 2006, Lot 00126. From the Collection of Sam Wyly, Dallas, Texas. Under the threat of a darkening sky full of clouds, a Midwestern farmer throws hay to his side, gently arching above the house and windmill situated in a stand of trees. The sinewy yield of golden crop wonderfully mirrors and contrasts against the billowy sky, cut by a calm blue through the middle. As a self-taught artist and former house painter, St. Louis native Joe Jones frequently used the imagery of working man as subject matter and motivation for his Depression Era works. During these productive decades of the 30's and 40's, Jones' inventive compositions and stark imagery often examined social issues, race relations, in addition to the plight of the common man. Jones produced several murals for the WPA during this time, alienated some supporters by joining the Communist Party and was also included in some major exhibitions in both New York and Philadelphia. The strength of beauty of "Raking Hay" lies within Jones' technique and composition, full of linear motion and a restrained sense of order in both man and nature. Joe Jones (American, 1909-1963).
Gerald Harvey, "Doc's Rig" oil on canvas, 1968.
lower left, "Joe Jones". Canvas: 40.25"H x 29.25"W; Frame: 44.625"H x 33.625"W. PROVENANCE: Gift to private collector from the artist circa 1950. Sotheby's New York: May 24, 2006, Lot 00126. From the Collection of Sam Wyly, Dallas, Texas. Under the threat of a darkening sky full of clouds, a Midwestern farmer throws hay to his side, gently arching above the house and windmill situated in a stand of trees. The sinewy yield of golden crop wonderfully mirrors and contrasts against the billowy sky, cut by a calm blue through the middle. As a self-taught artist and former house painter, St. Louis native Joe Jones frequently used the imagery of working man as subject matter and motivation for his Depression Era works. During these productive decades of the 30's and 40's, Jones' inventive compositions and stark imagery often examined social issues, race relations, in addition to the plight of the common man. Jones produced several murals for the WPA during this time, alienated some supporters by joining the Communist Party and was also included in some major exhibitions in both New York and Philadelphia. The strength of beauty of "Raking Hay" lies within Jones' technique and composition, full of linear motion and a restrained sense of order in both man and nature. Joe Jones (American, 1909-1963).
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
