Lot 458: JOSEPH B. KAHILL (American 1882-1957) THE LAST

JOSEPH B. KAHILL (American, 1882-1957) THE LAST STROKE. Outstanding large oil on canvas scene shows an elderly artist who sits in front of a large painting that he apparently has just finished. His head rests against the canvas and his eyes are closed. The large artist's pallet which holds large dollops of paint and paint brushes has tilted down and paint and a brush has hit the floor. The painting that he was working on is set on a large wood easel and shows a young woman holding a lantern above her. The room is well appointed with sculpture and paintings and a stand is set with a ginger jar holding brushes. Signed lower left "Jos. B. Kahill 1914". Housed in its original wide gilt molded wood frame with gilt liner. SIZE: 58" x 42". PROVENANCE: Descended through artist's family. CONDITION: There are several small scrapes with small chips but generally in very good condition. One quarter size spot in upper right has been filled and inpainted. In need of a cleaning which will brighten it up significantly. Remnants of an old exhibition label on back. 9-92254 (2,000-4,000)