Smoking Out the Bear

Maker Unknown Artist

Period1853

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions15.25 × 23.25 in. (38.7 × 59.1 cm)

InscribedA canvas stamp on the reverse reads, "From / M. J. Whipple's / Artists Supply Store / 35 Cornhill / Boston."

SignedInscribed lower edge center, "E. B. [?] 1853."

ClassificationsLandscapes & Still Life

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1941

Object number1632

DescriptionAn oval view within a rectangle of three hunters attempting to smoke a bear out of a hollow tree that has been cut down. One male is wielding an axe and is enlarging a hole in the side of the trunk. Another male stands ready with his rifle in hand. A third is lighting a fire in the open base of the tree. The ground is snow covered, and the sky is cloudy. A snow covered evergreen tree stands in the background, along with other trees in the distance.
Curatorial RemarksA label on the reverse of the painting reads "Bought from G. Gulick Aug. 1941." H. Gregory Gulick (1907 - 1988) was a noted antiques dealer from Middletown, Monmouth County.NotesThe M. J. Whipple art supply store was located at the 35 Cornhill address in Boston from 1850 to 1868.

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