Small black folk art painting.
01 March 2026
Description

This painting is titled nude William H. Johnson signed and dated 1939 in pencil on the back. It looks to be on burlap canvas with the sample black painted frame. It appears to be oil paint but I'm not positive. The condition is good. This one has variations from the larger piece located at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Dimensions

71/2 X 6

Acquired from
Secondhand Store
For sale
Yes
Answered within 2 days
By David U.
Mar 03, 17:09 UTC
Fair Market Value
$250 - $500 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a small figurative folk art painting executed on coarse burlap canvas, likely using oil or oil based house paint. The composition, flattened perspective, bold outlining, and simplified anatomy are consistent with American self taught or vernacular folk art traditions of the early to mid 20th century. The subject matter, a reclining nude in an interior with patterned textiles and still life elements, reflects themes explored by several American folk artists, including William H. Johnson. However, based on the visible brush handling, surface texture, and overall execution, this appears to be a derivative work in the manner of Johnson rather than a documented example by the artist himself. The pencil inscription on the reverse reading “Nude 1939 William H. Johnson” should be considered an attribution and not proof of authorship without independent authentication, catalogue raisonné inclusion, or institutional provenance.

Given the very small scale, approximately 7.5 by 6 inches, and the lack of confirmed authorship, this painting should be valued within the broader market for 20th century folk art or decorative vernacular works. Comparable unsigned or uncertain attribution folk paintings of this size typically trade between 150 USD and 600 USD depending on visual appeal and condition. Without formal authentication linking it directly to William H. Johnson, a realistic current market value would fall in the range of 250 USD to 500 USD.

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