Rhea Wells Sold at Auction Prices

TN Illustrator Rhea Wells Mixed Media on Paper

Rhea Wells (Tennessee, 1891-1962) mixed media painting on paper depicting an African American man and woman standing before a white trellis gate with a large white house, background. Signed Rhea Wells, lower right. Housed in a contemporary wooden frame. Sight - 23 3/8" H x 17 3/8" W. Framed - 29" H x 23" W. American, early/mid 20th century. Provenance: Property of a private East TN collection. Biography (courtesy of Steve Cotham, McClung Historical Collection, Knoxville): Rhea Wells was a recognized illustrator of children’s books in the 1920’s. He grew up at Historic Rose Hill in Jonesborough, Tennessee and wrote a book, THE AMERICAN FARM, concerning his life growing up at Rose Hill. Rhea was a pen name Wells used signing his work, as his legal first name was Peter. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)