Vibrant 1950's Pastel on Paper, Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard by Francis Chapin, Titled "Gulls"

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A 1950s, vibrant, yellow-toned harbor scene of Martha’s Vineyard, titled "Gulls". Artwork size: 12" x 18". Archivally matted to 16” … Read more A 1950s, vibrant, yellow-toned harbor scene of Martha’s Vineyard, titled "Gulls". Artwork size: 12" x 18". Archivally matted to 16” x 24”. Provenance: Estate of Artist.

Francis Chapin, known as the “Dean of Chicago Painters,” was a celebrated artist of his time. Born in Bristolville, Ohio, at the turn of the 20th century, he graduated from Washington & Jefferson College and later studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he exhibited over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. Winning the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship in 1927, Chapin spent a year in Europe, after which he chose to remain in Chicago, appreciating the city's artistic freedom. He became a beloved instructor at the Art Institute from 1929 to 1947 and served as the director of its summer school in Saugatuck, Michigan. Known for his vibrant depictions of Chicago in the 1930s and 40s, Chapin also painted in Mexico, France, Spain, and Martha’s Vineyard, where he taught at the Old Sculpin Gallery. He lived in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, and his distinctive appearance—standing nearly 6'6" in tweeds—made him a recognizable figure in the art scene. His work was exhibited in prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Carnegie Institute, and is housed in numerous collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Brooklyn Museum. See less