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"Naval Recruit, " Classic WPA Mural Study by Henricksen for Naval Station, 1936

About the Item

A classic example of WPA-period mural painting, this study was painted by Ralf Henricksen in the 1930s, probably for the U.S. Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, north of Chicago. The painting depicts a civilian below, with his hat, suit and suitcase, and that man transformed into a newly-minted sailor above, looking into the distance, anticipating his years in the Navy. Henricksen was of Danish descent, and here he depicts a young man with golden blonde hair, suggesting Northern European heritage. The artist was a prolific muralist, painting several works for the Edward F. Gorton School in Lake Forest, Illinois not far from the naval station, as well as for other schools, post offices and military bases in Illinois and beyond. This painting is gouache on illustration board. (Dimensions include the matte; visible painting is 9 inches high by 4.5 inches wide.)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.75 in (42.55 cm)Width: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Depth: 0.1 in (2.54 mm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1936
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU865129176712

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