An Exceptional ET Hurley Painting in the Original Frame Titled "An Old Quilt"
Item Details
An exceptional painting by renowned Cincinnati Rookwood artist Edward Timothy Hurley (1869-1950) titled ‘An Old Quilt’. The painting illustrates a wintry labyrinth of homes and rooftops, a patchwork of geometric shapes resembling an old, worn quilt. The softened palette and the texture of the paint which is applied in impasto style, further lends to the apt title. The painting is signed in the lower left corner and dated ‘15 (presumably 1915) under the signature. The original gold gesso over wood frame has a brass title plaque attached to read ’An Old Quilt, E.T. Hurley’. Edward Timothy Hurley was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1869 and studied at Xavier University then The Cincinnati Art Academy under the tutelage of Frank Duveneck. Hurley joined the famed Rookwood Pottery in 1896, his work received a gold medal at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis and his pottery and vellum plaques are avidly collected today. A prolific artist outside of his work at Rookwood, Hurley received praise for his printed work and was listed in the French index ‘The Dictionaire des Peintres, Sculptuers, Dessinateurs et Graveurs Benezit’. He was also a sculptor, working in bronze to create decorative pieces.
This painting comes with a rather impressive provenance as well. The painting was in the collection of E.T. Hurley’s benefactress Amelia Hickenlooper Dunham who also wrote the forward address in the book ‘Cincinnati: Prints From The Etchings of E.T. Hurley’ published by St. James Press in 1916. A first edition of the book which is signed and inscribed by Amelia Hickenlooper Dunham to her daughter is included with the painting. This is a scarce opportunity as Hurley’s paintings are not numerous or often available.
Condition
, the painting is in very good condition however the frame has some slight damage at the corners and edges. Interestingly, the painting is housed upside down in the frame with the brass title plaque at the top and inverted. The painting has not been touched and has been remembered by family to have been in this state for many years.
Dimensions
, the measurements given refer to the image. The frame measures 25.5" high x 29.5" wide.
Item #
14CIN022-001
