8: JOSEPH VORST (1897-1947) OIL ON LINEN AND BOARD

Joseph Vorst (1897-1947)
Showboat, St. Louis
An energized mural-like painting comprised of vignettes from a 1920s American showboat. Signed by the artist lower right, original frame. Many 'Showboats' plied the Mississippi River during the early 20th century. The largest and most grand of these was The Goldenrod, a 200 foot long floating palace of entertainment. Her plush 140 foot auditorium boasted twenty-one upholstered boxes and seating for 1400. In addition to minstrel shows, Vaudeville acts, musicals and dramas, her decks offered food, drink and debauchery.. Though she'd been there before, beginning in 1937, Goldenrod was permanently moored in St. Louis, Missouri, Joseph Vorst's hometown following his emigration from Germany in 1897. It was here that for 75 cents, one could 'board the boat and 'sass the actors' on stage.'
Canvas measures 33.5 x 42.75 with a frame of 41.25 x 50.75 inches.
Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.
Provenance: Hanazel Galleries, Chicago, 1993. The estate of an Illinois collector.
$4,000 - $6,000