BEN AUSTRIAN (READING, PENNSYLVANIA, 1870 - 1921). HEN

Ben Austrian's painting career began by exhibiting a trompe l'oeil game painting called "A Day's Hunt" in Philadelphia which garnered generous praise from art critics and the public. But Austrian's real success came from his paintings of chickens. In 1902 he went to Paris, where he opened a studio and was acclaimed "The Landseer of Chickens". After he returned to Pennsylvania, one of Austrian's best known ventures was his series of advertisements for the Bon Ami Company, many of which originated as paintings that featured chicks accompanied by his wife Molly. The trademark chicks are still used by the company.This example features a hen with her many chicks in a barnyard setting and has all of the desirable Austrian attributes collectors value. Austrian's remarkable career was ended prematurely by his sudden death at the age of 51. Artist: Ben Austrian (Pennsylvania, 1870 - 1921). Condition: Good. Created: Dated 1900. Frame: Period silver gilt frame. Medium: Oil on canvas. Signature: Signed lower right "Ben Austrian". Title: Hen and Twelve Chicks. Work Size: 25.5" x 19" Condition: Dimensions: Frame: 24 - 1/4" x 30 - 1/4".