Lot 487: JOSEPH GRAY KITCHELL (AMERICAN, 1862-1945) MEZZOTONE MADONNA

JOSEPH GRAY KITCHELL (AMERICAN, 1862-1945) MEZZOTONE MADONNA, titled "The Spirit of Motherhood (Composite Madonna)", signed "J. G. Kitchell '30" lower right. Original shadowbox frame. Along with correspondences from Kitchell to the Yancey family concerning the work, registration paperwork and other information. Circa 1930.

20 1/2" x 17 1/2" OA.

Excellent condition, frame with some cracks at lower edge and marring.

A birthday gift to from Richard H. Yancey to Catherine (Kate) Hay Yancey (1871-1953). By descent to Rebecca Lovett Yancey (1898-1992). Rebecca and her mother Kate moved to Harrisonburg, VA from Canton, OH in 1940. Their home at 37 Paul St. originally served as a summer residence until they relocated there permanently.

Robert Kitchell's "The Spirit of Motherhood" was a composite of 271 Old Master Madonnas located in museums around the world and drew high praise when it was first released. The New York Sun reported "According to eminent critics, the greatest picture produced in America". They went onto offer, "Over 1,000 newspapers and magazines throughout the World featured this great picture in more space than was ever given to any art subject produced in the Western Hemisphere." Kitchell was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in Great Britain after an early example of his Mezzotone work was acquired by the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. President Herbert Hoover was also an owner of one of Kitchell's Madonnas.