Original 19th C. Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait Chickens Chicks Landscape American Oil

This listing is for the original painting “Chicks in a Landscape” by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (1819-1905) pictured above. About this work: A wonderful example of Tait’s signature depictions of chickens. A little gem – this work depicts a group of four chicks with fuzzy yellow and brown feathers. Two chicks in the back spy on a small bug climbing up a leaf, while another chick in the foreground inspects the ground. Leafy plants sprout up in the background towards a hint of blue sky. While unsigned*, the work is undoubtedly by the hand of Tait. All aspects of the work, including the composition, style, quality and materials perfectly align with his oeuvre. A browse through his catalogue raisonne results in several possible entries with lacking information that may indicate this work. The work is oil on panel and is housed in an exceptional period frame. There are a few indiscernible inscriptions on the reverse of the panel, including a handwritten date “1903” below a possible name of a previous owner. *It is worth noting the lower right corner has old overpaint, which may be covering up a signature. Size: 6 inches tall by 8 inches wide (painting) 12.5 inches tall by 14.5 inches wide (frame) Provenance: Private collection, NY; Acquired from the above About the artist: Born in Liverpool, England, Arthur Tait became America’s first important sporting artist. In England, he trained as a lithographer for Agnews, an art dealer in Manchester, and taught himself to paint by copying works at the Royal Institute. He also assisted American Indian painter George Catlin, with his traveling Indian gallery that he had brought to England, and Tait was impressed with Catlin’s subject matter and skill. In 1850, Tait came to America to pursue his interest in wildlife and hunting, sports that were closed to the public in aristocratic England. He worked primarily from a studio in New York City and never got west of Chicago. Becoming a skilled woodsman and marksman, he acquired excellent first-hand knowledge that he brought to his paintings. As a result, his realistic genre hunting scenes, with their story-telling aspects, made him one of the 19th century’s most popular painters. 1850 to 1860 was his most productive period, and his frontier paintings were taken as literal views although he never got west of Chicago. His colorful sporting and wildlife paintings were usually Adirondack Mountain scenes, which were popularized through thousands of Currier and Ives reproductions and Prang’s chromolithographs. People loved the warm camaraderie of his hunting and fishing, cabin and campfire depictions, and he did much to focus public attention on natural scenery and wildlife. He also mastered game still lifes, that influenced a succeeding generation of artists including Michael Harnett. Tait’s style was consistent and unchanging, and he had a long productive career until his death in 1905. Source: David Michael Zellman, 300 Years of American Art Condition: Good overall antique condition. Surface craquelure commensurate with age. Scattered inpainting/overpainting, most notably in lower right corner (refer to photo under blacklight). Antique frame with typical wear and scattered losses. It is ready to be displayed and enjoyed! This work will be carefully packed and shipped with insurance and signature confirmation. Free local pick up is also available. International buyers – please note I cannot lower the declared value of the package for customs. I frequently receive messages from people after I sell an item, asking if it is definitely gone. If something catches your eye, don't hesitate to inquire! Feel free to ask any questions.