catalog text
"THE NEWSBOY" PAINTING BY CHARLES COLE MARKHAM (AMERICAN, 1837-1907)
Signed C C Markham lower left, in oil on canvas
Item # 902EIV12L
An early look at life in America, the present example is a fine painting by portrait painter Charles Cole Markham (American, 1837-1907). Executed in oil on canvas, the painting depicts an enterprising young boy with a few newspapers under arm as he counts his collected coins. Surprisingly little is known about the life of Charles Markham, who exhibited his work both at the Brooklyn Art Association and the National Academy of Design. Markham was well-respected in his field, working most of his life in New York City where he painted portraits and genre scenes of leisure and working life. Much of his work is a collection of snapshots of interesting people in interesting moments, though he also did some commission portraiture.
Provenance: Previously acquired from Frank S. Schwarz & Son Gallery, Philadelphia, PA; illustrated in Schwarz catalog "Philadelphia VIII, 1979"; labeled verso
Measurements: 22 1/2" H x 17" W x 3" D [frame]; 14" H x 8 1/2" W [canvas]
Condition Report:
20th century frame (not original) with gilt wood losses and chipping. Trace surface grime: would benefit from being professionally cleaned (we can arrange this upon request - contact for a quote).