Items Similar to "Circus", Large and Ambitious Painting by John B. Lear w/ Male Nudes, 1965
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
"Circus", Large and Ambitious Painting by John B. Lear w/ Male Nudes, 1965
About the Item
This early and ambitious watercolor painting by John B. Lear shows the growing scale and detail of his best work, here incorporating three nude and semi-nude male figures in a surreal, seaside landscape. Two of the three are looking with confidence and candor at the viewer, while the third -- a gray, ghostly figure -- is facing away. This painting is especially large and handsomely framed, and was exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance's 50th Anniversary Regional exhibition in 1965-1966. Lear's earliest works are often in oil, but later he moved to watercolor -- as here -- and later still to pencil and colored pencil. He retained a fascination with the male nude, though his depiction of the male figure changed over the years -- from long and lean bodies, as here, to stockier figures in later years. Lear liked to depict his figures in fantastic or exotic environments such as the circus, carnival, deserted beach, or Dali-esque setting. A contemporary of Paul Cadmus, and like him, highly focused on depicting the male figure in various settings and positions, Lear never gained fame beyond his circle of admirers in the Philadelphia area. However, Lear is having a moment now, and his works are increasingly sought after by collectors. The piece is watercolor on paper, and is signed. Dimensions include matte and frame; visible painting is 17.5 inches high by 25.5 inches wide.
- Creator:John B. Lear (Painter)
- Dimensions:Height: 26.25 in (66.68 cm)Width: 35.25 in (89.54 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1965
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU865139680732
About the Seller
4.9
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2005
1stDibs seller since 2009
455 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Philadelphia, PA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All"Red Tape", Early and Important Surrealist Painting by John Lear w/ Male Nudes
By John B. Lear
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the finest, and certainly the earliest painting by John Lear that we have seen or offered, this image depicts three male nude figures connected by a trailing line of red ribbo...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
"Male Nude with Banner and Pole, " Rare Midcentury Painting by Lear
By John B. Lear
Located in Philadelphia, PA
John Lear was a contemporary of Paul Cadmus and like him, highly focused on depicting the male figure in various settings and positions. However, Lear never gained fame beyond his circle of admirers in the Philadelphia area. Unlike Cadmus, Lear depicted nude or half-nude figures set in fantastic or exotic environments such as the circus, carnival, deserted beach, or Dali-esque setting. This richly-detailed watercolor, depicting a tall, lean male figure straddling a pole holding a Medieval banner...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
"Three Men in Tatters, " Surrealist Painting with Semi-Nude Figures by Lear
By John B. Lear
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Over his long career, John Lear liked to depict nude or half-nude male figures set in fantastic or exotic environments such as the circus, carnival, deserted beach, or Dali-esque set...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
"Reclining Male Nude", Important Early Pencil Drawing by John B. Lear, 1960
By John B. Lear
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This fine and very early drawing by John B. Lear shows the care with which he captured the beauty, strength and character of the men he admired. Lear's earliest works are often in o...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
"Trio, " Rare and Early Oil Painting of Three Nudes in Surreal Landscape by Lear
By John B. Lear
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A contemporary of Paul Cadmus, and like him, highly focused on depicting the male figure in various settings and positions, John Lear never gained fame beyond his circle of admirers ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Paintings
Materials
Canvas
"Black and Red Nude", Large Male Nude Painting by Christopher Clark, 1954
By Christopher Clark (1875-1942)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bold and striking, this large 1950s painting of a nude male youth, executed in black gouache or charcoal on a rich, deep red ground, was made by Christopher Clark. The artist is bes...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
You May Also Like
John Lear Watercolor "Aftermath"
By John B. Lear
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large John B. Lear watercolor, "Aftermath". Painted in the early 1960's, probably one of his most provocative and important works! Jesus on the Cross is a common theme in LGBT Christ...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Large Abstract Male Nude by Shawn Savage
By Shawn Savage
Located in Pasadena, CA
Large-scale abstract male blue nude by renowned artist Shawn Savage. Acrylic on canvas. Newly framed in a matte black floating frame.
Category
Vintage 1980s Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Robert English, Large Male Nude Abstract Expressionist Painting, 1980s
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 1980s large and arresting abstract expressionist acrylic portrait painting of a male nude torso by Robert English.
Very well built gentleman sans hea...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Expressionist Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$880 Sale Price
20% Off
Contour Painting Male Nude Figure, Circa 1960
Located in Rochester, NY
Contour style painting on paper of large male nude seated figure, artist signed at bottom Fred Bennett. In simple white enameled metal and glass frame with mat. Beautifully executed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Agate, Metal
Four Dancing Male Nudes Painting 1976
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1753 Four dancing male nudes set in a brass frame
Image size 21x7"
Signed B.Tapiz 76
Category
Vintage 1970s Paintings
Materials
Paint, Paper
Nudes male female painting on canvas, Italy, 1990s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Nudes male female painting on canvas, Italy, 1990s
This oil painting on canvas features a large painting that captures a poignant scene depicting three nude figures. The central focu...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood
