74

RALPH EUGENE CAHOON JR.

American, (1910-1982)

Kings Grant Racquet Club

oil on board
signed lower right "R. Cahoon"
18 x 22 inches

  • Provenance: Private Collection, Connecticut.

    Framed dimensions: 22 x 26 x 1 5/8 inches

    Ralph Eugene Cahoon, Jr. is one of Cape Cod's most famous artists. His whimsical depictions of mermaids and sailors have charmed collectors from the start. Cahoon was essentially self-taught, studying for only two years at the School of Practical Art in Boston. In 1932, he married Martha Farham whose father was a furniture painter in the Swedish tradition. Martha learned to paint furniture in this style, Rosemaling, and subsequently taught it to Ralph. Both artists worked alongside each other for the remainder of their working years.

    The couple settled in Osterville and established a business decorating furniture and selling antiques. In 1945 they moved to Cotuit. Shortly after, a customer Joan Whitney Payson convinced the couple to create easel paintings of some of their furniture designs and exhibit them at her Long Island Country Art Gallery. This set the stage for rapid success in the 1960s and 1970s where Cahoon's folky paintings of mermaids, lighthouses and clipper ships regularly sold out at exhibitions in Nantucket and Florida.

    After a 1960 exhibition at Vose Galleries in Boston, a reviewer noted, "The Cahoons' paintings represent a fresh breath of life in the contemporary art world. The gay, cheerful colors, crisp technique and humorously fanciful subject matter are [a] refreshingly welcome oasis."

    Cahoon's work was collected by prominent patrons including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Paul Mellon and the DuPont family. Josiah K. Lilly III, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, acquired more than three dozen paintings by Cahoon. In 1984, the Cahoon Museum of American Art was established in the family home. Martha continued to live there until her death in 1999.



    Tags: oil painting, listed artist, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, mermaids, sailors, hot air balloons, lighthouse, Massachusetts, nautical, marine, coastal
  • Condition: in overall excellent original condition; no restoration apparent under UV

    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. 

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.

October 27, 2022 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US

Shannon's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 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