c. 1935 William Hugh Ferguson WPA Era Surrealist Portrait of Androgynous Figure

Description: This listing is for the exceptional, museum-quality portrait by William Hugh Ferguson (American, 1905-1985) pictured above. This incredibly unusual portrait circa 1935 depicts an unidentified, androgynous sitter with a massive facial scar. Behind the figure is a surrealist background with numerous symbolic images, hidden figures, architectural elements, and a landscape. Ferguson appears to combine two major styles of the period, including American regionalism and European surrealism. This is one of the artist’s finest works, which are nearly impossible to find outside of institutional collections. The work is an oil on canvas and is signed “William H. Ferguson” in the lower left/center. Provenance: The painting has been owned by family friends of the artist for several decades. This is the first time the work is being offered to the public. Size: The painting measures 28 inches tall by 22 inches wide. It is framed, measuring 34 inches tall by 28 inches wide in total. Condition: Very good condition with minor in-painting on the left side of the image near the nude figures. The painting was recently professionally cleaned to reveal the original, vibrant colors. The frame has typical wear and some minor losses/cracks. It is ready to be displayed and enjoyed. About the artist: William Hugh Ferguson was a PAFA graduate, winning the prestigious Cresson Prize twice (1926-1927) and traveling to Paris, while he was deeply influenced by the French surrealist movement. He exhibited at PAFA twenty times between 1925 and 1952. His works can be found in numerous private and public collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Reading Public Museum. This work will be carefully packed and shipped with insurance and signature confirmation. Free local pick up is also available. International buyers - please note I cannot lower the declared value of the package for customs. I frequently receive messages from people after I sell an item, asking if it is definitely gone. If something catches your eye, don't hesitate to inquire before it is sold! Feel free to ask any questions.

Price: 24000 USD

Location: New Hope, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-11-20T01:28:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD

Product Images

Item Specifics

All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

Artist: William Hugh Ferguson

Unit of Sale: Single-Piece Work

Signed By: William Hugh Ferguson

Size: Medium (up to 36in.)

Date of Creation: 1900-1949

Region of Origin: US

Framing: Framed

Personalize: No

Listed By: Dealer or Reseller

Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original

Width (Inches): 22

Item Height: 34 in

Style: Surrealism, Figurative Art, Experimental/Alternative, American, 20th Century, Regionalism, WPA

Painting Surface: Canvas

Features: Signed, Framed

Handmade: Yes

Item Width: 28 in

Time Period Produced: 1925-1949

Signed: Yes

Color: Multi-Color

Material: Oil

Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes

Subject: Portrait, Animals, Architecture, Equestrian, Fantasy, Horse, Houses, Landscape, Model, Mythology, Nature, People, Sky, Social History, LGBT, LGBTQ+

Type: Painting

COA Issued By: Jarrett McCusker

Height (Inches): 28

Theme: Portrait, People

Production Technique: Oil Painting

Country/Region of Manufacture: United States