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Red Tape by John B. Lear, Jr. (American, 1910 - 2008)

Creator: John B. Lear
Offered by: 2220 Antiques

Description
One of the finest, and certainly the earliest painting by John Lear that we have seen or offered, this image depicts three male nude figures connected by a trailing line of red ribbon and framed by a series of orbs floating in the air. Like much of Lear's best work, the painting positions nude male figures in a distinctive and arresting Surrealist landscape, the figure receding into the distance in a manner that suggests Jared French as well. Lear liked to depict nude or half-nude male figures set in fantastic or exotic environments such as the circus, carnival, deserted beach, or Dali-esque setting. A contemporary of Paul Cadmus, and like him, highly focused on depicting the male figure in various settings and positions, Lear never gained fame beyond his circle of admirers in the Philadelphia area. This painting is tempera on artist's panel, and retains its original, wide and deep frame in wormy chestnut. The reverse retains two exhibition labels, one with the Philadelphia Art Alliance, the other with the Woodmere Art Gallery, now the Woodmere Museum in Chestnut Hill.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	tempera, panel, wood
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Surrealism
Dealer Reference #:	3563
Incollect Reference #:	822757

Dimensions

W.	14.25 in;	H.	16 in;	D.	2.5 in;
W.	36.2 cm;	H.	40.64 cm;	D.	6.35 cm;

Message from Seller:

2220 Antiques is the latest merchant to locate to the recently opened 100,000 square foot Antique and Design Center “Showrooms 2220”, in Philadelphia, PA. The proprietor of 2220 Antiques is an international buyer, traveling extensively over the past thirty-five years cultivating a refined eye for good design