Paul E. Harney, American (1850-1915), oil on canvas, "The Gossipers". Signed and dated lower left.
Alton, IL c. 1894
26˝" x 34"
Price: $7,500
Please note: This is an important painting by one of the region's favorite artists. Most noted for painting chickens, Paul Harney also painted monks and interior scenes. This painting is significant for a number of reasons. First is its size. At 26˝" x 34", it's one of the largest works to enter the market for many years. More importantly, though, is the provenance and what it tells us about Harney's art.
“The Gossipers” was originally purchased by Gerhard Taphorn, c. 1895 where it descended through the family to the present owner. Taphorn was a physician practicing in Alton and, according to family tradition, he accepted this painting in lieu of payment for medical services. The woman near the fireplace is Harney's wife at their home in Alton and the woman near the door is Charlotte Hart, who lived in Upper Alton.
Those familiar with Harney's work will recognize the fireplace. Nearly every interior scene, almost always painted at night, shows that same fireplace, hearth and mantle, complete with the gothic clock, lantern, books and violin. This strongly suggests that all of the interior scenes are, in fact, Harney’s own home.
There are some condition problems. There’s an 8” tear starting where the chimney meets the ceiling and running vertically to the left of the clock, through the brown crock, and stopping at the top of the firebox. Fortunately, it’s well away from Mrs. Harney’s face. There’s also a small tear in the upper right corner, visible in the photograph. The Springfield Museum Art (Missouri) performed the restoration and relined the painting in the process.
Complete provenance available to purchaser.
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