103: ROBERT HALLOWELL (186-1939) WPA ARTIST, OIL ON CANVAS

Robert Hallowell (186-1939)
Untitled Hooverville Camp Scene (Circa 1935)
Signed lower right.
Arguably the best painting by Robert Hallowell to be offered at auction, this undated work of social commentary is clearly a scene from Depression-era America with its composition of homeless African Americans in make-do conditions.

Hallowell and his wife Aurelia Caloenesco were employed by the WPA Federal Art Project for which he served as assistant director. Both exhibited widely before the Depression. Robert saw success as an illustrator and with sales of paintings to the public. He studied at Harvard University and in 1914 co-founded The New Republic, a magazine focused on The Arts and Politics, still today.

The majority of works by Robert Hallowell offered at auction are watercolor views of Cuba, Town Views or Still Life compositions of less importance than this nicely framed social realism genre scene.
Canvas size 16 x , frame measures 21.5 x 25.75 inches.
Very good original condition. There are no issues of scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.
$1,500 - $2,500