John D. Dawson (American, 20th century), Family, 1963 Ink and Wax on Paper

John D. Dawson is an American illustrator and painter who began his career in commercial advertising before becoming known for detailed natural-history imagery. His later clients included the National Park Service, National Geographic, the Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Postal Service. This early expressionistic figure study predates the wildlife and ecosystem illustrations for which he became best known.

Family, 1963, is an original work in black ink and wax applied with a brush, with restrained red and pink accents, on paper mounted to board. Four frontal figures are crowded within a narrow vertical field, with the largest figure seated in the foreground and overlapping hands extending across the lower edge. Heavy black passages close around the group, while scraped and wax-resist areas break through the clothing and background in irregular white marks. Signed and dated “J. Dawson .63” lower right. An original St. Paul Art Center label on the verso identifies the artist as “John D. Dawson,” gives the title “Family,” and records the medium as “black ink + wax with brush,” inventory no. A 8198. Condition shows overall toning and surface soiling, scattered small marks and abrasions, and extensive aged mounting tape and adhesive residue around the perimeter. The work remains mounted to its original Jackson board; image presents well despite the mounting-related wear. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.

Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.

Dimensions
11.25 x 10.375 in