Art Deco study of a muscular nude male leaning on a boat mast.  The strong tonal contrasts and flat, stylized treatment of the figure are similar to the work of his contemporary, Rockwell Kent.  The allegorical treatment of the worker, as a heroic figure hearkening back to ancient Greek statuary, was also popular in the Thirties.

George Kanelous was a painter and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York.  He exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art in the 1930s and participated in the Federal Government’s WPA project, producing paintings for the post offices in Norwich, Connecticut (1940) and East Walpole, Massachusetts (1941).  During World War II, he designed a series of posters for federal agencies supporting the war effort.  From at least 1949 until at least 1961 he produced illustrations and cover art for such magazines as Bluebook and Collier’s and for children’s books.

Condition:  Generally very good with the usual light overall toning and wear.

References:

Falk, Peter Hastings, ed.  Who Was Who in American Art.  Madison, Connecticut:  Sound View Press, 1985.  p. 326.

“Holland Collection: World War II Posters.”  Center for Southwest Research Photo Archive Collections.  http://elibrary.unm.edu/CSWRPhotoArchive/showCollection.php?qaccno=999-001 (10 February 2005).

Lorance, Nancy.  “New Deal WPA Art in Connecticut: Post Office New Deal Artwork.”  New Deal Art During the Great Depression.   2004.  http://www.wpamurals.com/Connecticut.html (10 February 2005).

Lorance, Nancy.  “New Deal WPA Art in Massachusetts: Post Office New Deal Artwork.” New Deal Art During the Great Depression.  2004.  http://www.wpamurals.com/Massachu.html (10 February 2005).