Exceptional Henry Dousa Naive Farmstead Oil on Canvas

Item Details

An exceptional oil on canvas by noted itinerant folk painter Henry Dousa (French, b. 1845). The work is signed to the lower right and dated 1875. Housed in a 20th century frame, though on its original stretcher and in an untouched condition.

Little is known of Henry Dousa aside from his general whereabouts during the late 19th century. Periodical references suggest that Dousa was based in Indiana, and was a ‘portrait, farmscape, and livestock painter working in Lafayette and Newcastle, Indiana during the 1870s and 1880s.’ (Artists in Ohio: 1787-1900, Haverstock, Mary, pg. 238). We are certain that Dousa was an itinerant painter, like so many Midwestern artists during the late 19th century. His body of work and well known extant examples suggest that he spent considerable time in Ohio.

This work was discovered in Dayton, Ohio and could be an early farmstead from that area. Several fenced area are present to the foreground, with an additional fence, probably for horses, in the background. Several outhouses are present, as well as a primary residence.

It is likely that Dousa’s work made it into the regional county atlases in the form of illustrations, or he derived his sweeping bird’s eye style from this trend of naive painting. His work is similar to those that could be found in the architectural and geographical documentation within those atlas records.

The majority of extant works by the artist are watercolors, though a few oils have surfaced, and several are in notable collections. For similar works, see Garth’s Sale (8/29/2008) of ‘Residence of V.Hunter, Mechanicsburg, Oh,’ or the well known example at the American Folk Art Museum- ‘The Farm of Henry Windle, Washington Court House, Oh.’ Dousa exhibits a wonderful naivete in his work, with exaggerated features, strong color and an erratic and vibrant composition. Many of his animal or residence subjects are identified, this example is not but it is certainly an Ohio folk art depiction worthy of further research.

Condition

An even and general craquelure to the surface. The varnish has yellowed and darkened. 20th century frame, original stretcher. The work does not appear to have been restored. Stretcher lines are visible to the naked eye and there are three diagonal streaks of more pronounced craquelure to the upper left. In wonderful, untouched condition.

Dimensions

The measurements refer to the painting as it is framed, the image measures 35″ × 30″.

Item #

17DCC093-638