Howard Pyle (American, 1853-1911). "Small Game Better Than None" a chromolithograph published in Harper's Weekly, December 17, 1898. Signed in red in the plate on the lower right. Title followed by "From The Painting By Howard Pyle" below image. A humorous composition in which a dapper gentleman wearing a red coat, top hat, and boots stands beside his horse and aims his rifle at three men - two wearing tri-cornered hats - one holding a fiddle and one holding a bow, and another reaching into his pocket. The scene takes place during the winter, and a few articles of clothing are strewn on the snow-covered ground. Size: chromolithograph measures 19" L x 12.5" W (48.3 cm x 31.8 cm); page measures 21.75" L x 15.75" W (55.2 cm x 40 cm)
Howard Pyle was among America’s most popular illustrators at the close of the 19th century when the publishing industry was experiencing a period of explosive growth. With artworks appeared in magazines like Harper’s Monthly, St. Nicholas, and Scribner’s Magazine, Pyle gained national and international exposure, and he was a celebrity during his lifetime. His unique style benefited from his passionate immersion in the art of his time. According to the Norman Rockwell Museum's illustration history page, "Pyle adapted his technique to suit the story being illustrated, drawing on a broad range of styles, including Pre-Raphaelitism, Aestheticism, Symbolism, and American realist painting. His success as an artist was enhanced by his audience’s knowledge of and appreciation of the many American and European sources that he referenced and quoted. And his remarkable versatility situated him solidly within the conversations that defined the art world of the period."
Pyle's oil on canvas painting presenting the same composition as this chromolithograph sold for $288,000 at Sotheby's New York - 01 December 2004, Lot 260 (http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2004/american-paintings-drawings-and-sculpturebr-including-property-from-the-collection-of-rita-and-daniel-fraad-n08032/lot.260.html).
Provenance: private Lucille Lucas collection, Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
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#147502
Condition
Fold mark across center as this was a special Harper's insert. Taped at upper end only to illustration board. Harper's text visible on verso.