Art & Design
Thu, May 28, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 248
TRAYLOR, Bill (American, 1853-1949). Untitled. (Man Looking into Hole). 1939.
Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Sold for
$50,400
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $30 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
TRAYLOR, Bill (American, 1853-1949). Untitled. (Man Looking into Hole). 1939. Crayon, colored pencil (black) and graphite on thick paperboard with die cut opening. 14 x 6 x 1/4". Frame (glass), 17 1/4 x 9 1/4". On verso the color side of the cardboard that was used can be seen. The text "In Every Room" in yellow with a purple and dark blue background. In the foreground are two yucca plants. This is a classic image for Traylor. An active figure with an umbrella has been used before. Here he incorporates the die cut shape into the composition. Inscribed verso, "Sept 9, 39 - He was walking down the street and came to dat hole - He's peepin in it ". Unclear who wrote this text.
Included in this lot is a copy of Black Folk Art in America, 1930-1980, from the seminal show at the Cocoran, Washington D.C.
Condition
Surface dirt with scuffs and rubbing of black pigment overall. Irregularly trimmed board at top, left side and bottom left. Right lower corner and die cut inherent. Left side has jagged cuts affecting veneer of paper board. Image hinged to backing board. Good condition.
Available payment options
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Purchased 1982 from Luise Ross Gallery, New York, NY. Letter and invoice.
