Paul Starrett Sample (American, 1896-1974), Aged and Weathered

Oil on canvas, signed at lower right, inscribed to top stretcher, framed.

Stretcher size 19 x 29 in.; Frame dimensions 24 1/4 x 34 in.

From the Prominent Contemporary Art Collection of Pamela K. And William A. Royall Jr., Richmond, Virginia

Sotheby's New York, March 3, 2005, Lot 132
Sotheby's New York, American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, September 24, 2008, Lot 173

Paul Starrett Sample was an American artist renowned for his vibrant depictions of American life and landscapes. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Sample initially pursued architecture at Dartmouth College but discovered his passion for painting during his recovery from tuberculosis in the 1920s. His artistic journey was deeply influenced by his studies at the Art Students League of New York and his exposure to European art during travels abroad. Sample's work is characterized by a distinctive blend of Regionalism and Social Realism, capturing both the idyllic and gritty aspects of 20th-century American life.

Throughout his career, Sample's art gained widespread acclaim for its ability to tell stories about ordinary people. His paintings often depicted rural scenes, industrial landscapes, and moments of everyday life, reflecting his deep empathy for working-class Americans. He served as an artist-in-residence at Dartmouth College from 1938 to 1962, fostering a new generation of artists while continuing to produce evocative works. Sample's legacy endures through his evocative portrayals of an evolving nation, bridging the gap between art and social commentary.

Good estate condition; no retouch visible under UV light.