86

GUY CARLETON WIGGINS
American (1883-1962)
"City Hall Park"
oil on canvasboard, signed lower right "Guy Wiggins NA," titled and signed on the reverse
15 7/8 x 20 inches

Provenance: Private Collection, New York; Shannon's, Milford, Connecticut, May 4, 2017, lot 64, Private Collection, Connecticut.

Other Notes:
Guy C. Wiggins was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1883. His father, Carleton Wiggins, was an accomplished landscape artist who enjoyed a successful career as an artist. According to an article on the Wiggins family written in 2011, "He [Carleton Wiggins] pressed a palette and paints into his young son's hands. By age 4, Guy Carleton Wiggins was churning out watercolors that foreshadowed a talent greater than his father's." (Ann Farmer, New York Times, "A Family of Painters is Having Its Moment," Jun. 6, 2011).

Wiggins first studied architecture at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute then left to pursue fine arts training at the National Academy of Design. The architectural cityscape of New York City became his muse and he started painting famous buildings in an impressionistic style. He once said, "If you want to sell paintings, it helps if it's recognizable to many people.

He became highly successful in the 1920s and 30s selling views of New York City architecture, particularly in the snow. In 1912, he became the youngest artist represented in the Metropolitan Museum's collection with a painting titled "Metropolitan Tower." He painted the Executive Mansion from the White House Lawn, a painting that hung in President Eisenhower's Office.

The Great Depression took a toll on sales and Wiggins struggled in the years following the war. He moved with his family permanently to Essex, Connecticut and started the Guy Wiggins Art School. He became an active member of the Old Lyme Art Academy. He started to paint landscapes, however, he continued to paint New York City as a preferred subject.

Wiggins' legacy was preserved in the history of American Art and his works are included in numerous public and private collections including the Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford, Connecticut, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the National Gallery in Washington D.C. and the Art Institute of Chicago.

tags: New York City, American Impressionism, American Impressionist, city scene


  • Condition: Canvas: Not Applicable
    Condition: Excellent
    Restoration: None
    Frame: Quality Reproduction
    Comments:
    Framed size - 22 1/2 x 26 3/4 x 1 3/8 inches


    In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation.

    NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral
for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at [email protected] or 203-453-8866.
Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk
of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the
items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the
responsibility of the buyer.

April 29, 2021 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US

Shannon's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000