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Jenne Magafan
Church in Leadville, Colorado, 1930s Framed Landscape Watercolor & Ink Painting

1938

$5,500
£4,081.21
€4,754.05
CA$7,656.04
A$8,525.69
CHF 4,437.15
MX$105,120.74
NOK 56,510.51
SEK 53,114.40
DKK 35,471.14
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About the Item

This rare, original WPA-era painting, Church in Leadville (1938), was created by renowned Colorado and Woodstock modernist artist Jenne Magafan (1916-1952). The watercolor and ink work beautifully captures the historic architecture of Leadville, Colorado, blending vibrant color and detailed line work. The painting is presented in a custom frame with archival materials, preserving the artwork for years to come. The framed outer dimensions are 22 ½ x 28 ¼ x 1 ¼ inches, and the image itself measures 12 ¼ x 19 inches. The piece is in good vintage condition—please contact us for a complete condition report. Provenance: Estate of Ethel Magafan. Expedited and international shipping are available—please contact us for a shipping quote. About the Artist: Jenne Magafan, along with her identical twin sister Ethel, was born in Chicago to a Greek immigrant father and Polish mother. The family moved to Colorado due to the father’s health, and the sisters attended East High School in Denver, where they found their mentor in art teacher Helen Perry. Under Perry's guidance, the twins honed their artistic talents, later studying at the Broadmoor Art Academy in Colorado Springs and assisting artist Frank Mechau. Jenne Magafan went on to receive multiple prestigious commissions throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with her murals featured in post offices across the country as part of the WPA's Federal Art Project. Known for her ability to capture the essence of American life through dynamic depictions of rural and Western scenes, Jenne became a respected muralist and painter. Her work also took her to the famous Woodstock art colony in New York, where she continued to evolve her style. Magafan’s influence is still present in the many collections that showcase her contributions to American art. She passed away in 1952, but her legacy continues to be celebrated in museums like the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and Colby College Museum of Art. Her work has been featured in notable exhibitions, including at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Denver Art Museum. In recognition of her contributions to American art, she was posthumously honored by Historic Denver as part of the Colorado 100. This stunning piece is an exceptional example of Jenne Magafan’s WPA-era work, making it a rare and collectible find for modernist art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  • Creator:
    Jenne Magafan (1916 - 1952, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1938
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 28.25 in (71.76 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    very good vintage condition.
  • Gallery Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: DCG 179191stDibs: LU2735025142

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