John Ford Clymer (1907-1989), Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming, Saturday Evening Post cover (May 23, 1959)
John Ford Clymer (American, 1907-1989) Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming, Saturday Evening Post cover, May 23, 1959 Oil on board 30 x 28 inches (76.2 x 71.1 cm) Signed lower left: John Clymer PROVENANCE: Fenn Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Collection of Mr. Rogers Aston, New Mexico; Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming; Dr. and Mrs. Lester S. Schilke, acquired from the above, 1979. LITERATURE: W. Reed, John Clymer: An Artist's Rendezvous with the Frontier West, Crosslake, Minnesota, 1976, p. 15, illustrated. In the annals of American art history, the name John Ford Clymer occupies a distinguished place, marking the intersection of illustrative art, western art, and the narrative of the American spirit. Clymer, whose career extended over six decades, embarked on his artistic voyage under the auspices of the celebrated Howard Pyle School in Delaware, followed by his tenure at the Grand Central School. It was here that Clymer's nascent talent was nurtured and refined under the mentorship of luminaries such as Harvey Dunn, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, and Frank Schoonover. These mentors were instrumental in sculpting Clymer's approach to art, imbuing him with a deep respect for the illustrative tradition and its capacity to convey complex narratives through visual means. Reflecting on the influence of his mentors, Clymer once stated, "I went down the road of illustration and those people were my gods." (as quoted in M.D. Zellman, American Art Analog, Vol. 3, New York, 1999, p. 124) This reverence for his predecessors underscored Clymer's commitment to the craft of illustration and its potential for storytelling. Clymer's illustrious career in illustration is perhaps best exemplified by his contributions to The Saturday Evening Post, where he produced over eighty covers between 1942 and 1962. This body of work positioned Clymer as one of the magazine's most prolific cover artists, following closely behind the iconic figures of Norman Rockwell and Joseph Christian Leyendecker. A hallmark of Clymer's work during this period is the cover illustration Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming, which not only showcases Clymer's exceptional technical skill but also encapsulates the thematic essence of his work: the exploration of American life through scenes imbued with nostalgia and an acute attention to detail. Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming stands as a quintessential Clymer creation, employing a composition that masterfully blends the immediate with the expansive. Clymer's artistry lies in his ability to draw viewers into a narrative that is both specific in its depiction of childhood and universal in its appeal to shared memories and emotions. The work exemplifies Clymer's skill in using the American landscape as a vibrant backdrop to human stories, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and a keen observation of human experiences within it. The transition from illustrator to a celebrated artist of historical western scenes marked a natural progression in Clymer's career, allowing him to explore broader themes of American history and identity. This evolution, perfectly encapsulated in the present work, underscores Clymer's versatility as an artist and his deep engagement with the themes of American life and landscape. Michael Zellman noted, "Clymer's legacy is not merely in the beauty of his art but in his profound ability to capture the essence of American ethos." (ibid. 145) The present work is accompanied by a copy of The Saturday Evening Post, May 23, 1959, a copy of the book John Clymer: An artist's rendezvous with the frontier West that is signed and inscribed by the artist, and a thank you letter from Trailside Galleries, dated June 30, 1979. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Condition Report: Under UV exam, there does not appear to be inpaint. Thin 1inch scratch in the upper left corner sky. Small pinpoint spot of surface soiling near the center of the composition. Framed Dimensions 35 X 33 Inches
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John Ford Clymer (American, 1907-1989) Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming, Saturday Evening Post cover, May 23, 1959 Oil on board 30 x 28 inches (76.2 x 71.1 cm) Signed lower left: John Clymer PROVENANCE: Fenn Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Collection of Mr. Rogers Aston, New Mexico; Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming; Dr. and Mrs. Lester S. Schilke, acquired from the above, 1979. LITERATURE: W. Reed, John Clymer: An Artist's Rendezvous with the Frontier West, Crosslake, Minnesota, 1976, p. 15, illustrated. In the annals of American art history, the name John Ford Clymer occupies a distinguished place, marking the intersection of illustrative art, western art, and the narrative of the American spirit. Clymer, whose career extended over six decades, embarked on his artistic voyage under the auspices of the celebrated Howard Pyle School in Delaware, followed by his tenure at the Grand Central School. It was here that Clymer's nascent talent was nurtured and refined under the mentorship of luminaries such as Harvey Dunn, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, and Frank Schoonover. These mentors were instrumental in sculpting Clymer's approach to art, imbuing him with a deep respect for the illustrative tradition and its capacity to convey complex narratives through visual means. Reflecting on the influence of his mentors, Clymer once stated, "I went down the road of illustration and those people were my gods." (as quoted in M.D. Zellman, American Art Analog, Vol. 3, New York, 1999, p. 124) This reverence for his predecessors underscored Clymer's commitment to the craft of illustration and its potential for storytelling. Clymer's illustrious career in illustration is perhaps best exemplified by his contributions to The Saturday Evening Post, where he produced over eighty covers between 1942 and 1962. This body of work positioned Clymer as one of the magazine's most prolific cover artists, following closely behind the iconic figures of Norman Rockwell and Joseph Christian Leyendecker. A hallmark of Clymer's work during this period is the cover illustration Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming, which not only showcases Clymer's exceptional technical skill but also encapsulates the thematic essence of his work: the exploration of American life through scenes imbued with nostalgia and an acute attention to detail. Rustic Daydreams (Abandoned Equipment), South of Jackson, Wyoming stands as a quintessential Clymer creation, employing a composition that masterfully blends the immediate with the expansive. Clymer's artistry lies in his ability to draw viewers into a narrative that is both specific in its depiction of childhood and universal in its appeal to shared memories and emotions. The work exemplifies Clymer's skill in using the American landscape as a vibrant backdrop to human stories, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and a keen observation of human experiences within it. The transition from illustrator to a celebrated artist of historical western scenes marked a natural progression in Clymer's career, allowing him to explore broader themes of American history and identity. This evolution, perfectly encapsulated in the present work, underscores Clymer's versatility as an artist and his deep engagement with the themes of American life and landscape. Michael Zellman noted, "Clymer's legacy is not merely in the beauty of his art but in his profound ability to capture the essence of American ethos." (ibid. 145) The present work is accompanied by a copy of The Saturday Evening Post, May 23, 1959, a copy of the book John Clymer: An artist's rendezvous with the frontier West that is signed and inscribed by the artist, and a thank you letter from Trailside Galleries, dated June 30, 1979. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Condition Report: Under UV exam, there does not appear to be inpaint. Thin 1inch scratch in the upper left corner sky. Small pinpoint spot of surface soiling near the center of the composition. Framed Dimensions 35 X 33 Inches
