Albert Pels Oil Painting on Unstretched Canvas of Two Children

Item Details

An oil painting on unstretched canvas of two children by well-listed American genre painter and muralist Albert Pels (Cincinnati/New York; 1910 – 1998). This work features two children, one resting her hand in her hands as she reads a book set on a table, and a boy looking over the girl’s shoulder as she reads. The figures are set in a painted green border that surrounds three sides, and another painted brown border that frames the entire composition. The work is portrayed in Pels’ signature style of vibrant colors, bold delineated outlines, and textural painterly brushstrokes. The work is signed in black to the lower right; handwriting to the verso reads ‘12/85’ possibly referring to the date of the work. Presented unstretched and unframed.

Sold to benefit a scholarship fund for the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Pels began his formal artistic training in his hometown at the Cincinnati Art Academy in 1931. Upon graduating, he further pursued his artistic career and moved to New York, refining his technique while continuing his education at the Art Students League, working under the likes of historically renowned artists Thomas Hart Benton, Kenneth Hayes Miller, and Alexander Brook. Pels went on to study at Beaux Arts and the American School, and in doing so established his distinctive, signature painting style and content for which he became recognized.

Condition

- some wear along canvas edges including minor fraying, stains, and bends.

Dimensions

Item #

16CIN650-065