Louis Michel Eilshemius (American, 1864-1941)

Louis Michel Eilshemius (American, 1864-1941)

Autumn Bathers
Signed "Eilshemius–" lower left, titled in an inscription on the back of the frame.
Oil on pressed paperboard, sight size 14 1/8 x 27 in. (36.0 x 68.5 cm), framed.
Condition: Surface grime, subtle bowing to the support.
Estimate $2,000-3,000

Framed dimensions are 22 1/4 x 34 4/4 x 2 1/4 inches.
Oil on pressed paperboard, sheet size is 15 3/4 x 28 1/2 inches.

The frame was opened during preview to reveal that there is a fully realized composition on the reverse, which we will refer to as Side B. It shows two nude bathers in a lagoon, one bather waving to the viewer. It is signed "Eilshemius" lower right and is dated "1918-" lower left.

There is bowing to the paperboard. There is a series of "bites" out of the lower edge, the bites/surface losses are larger on the front (Side A) and have not always reached all the way through to the back. On Side B one of the losses has been overpainted with gray pigment. There does not appear to be retouch to either side, although there is some natural fluorescence in the brown pigment on Side A which shows up under UV examination.

The varnish on Side B is unevenly applied and shows random vertical brush strokes. On Side B there is also a small depression in the paperboard at the center left, which may be original condition. There are a few small pinpoint losses in the tree branches left of center and overall scattered shallow abrasions.

Side A has a loss at the center top edge, in addition to the series of eight losses along the bottom edge.

Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.