Peonies
Woodcut printed in colors, undated, edition probably about 25-50. 9 x 10 3/8 in. Signed in pencil, lower right. Here we have a fine, luminous impression on thin Japanese paper. The margins are wide and probably full. The condition is excellent other than a faint trace of foxing here and there in the margins. Novak is primarily known for his traditional woodcuts of prominent structures and locales throughout New England. This print is a stellar departure from the usual subjects. Ex-collection: Robert Muller.
SOLD

Peonies
Woodcut printed in colors, undated (probably 1930s-1940s), edition unknown. 9 x 10 1/2 in. Signed and titled in pencil. This is a fine, rich impression printed on thin Japanese paper. The margins are full and the condition is very good. (There's a bit of darkening within an earlier mat opening and two old paper hinges at the top corners.) Louis Novak was a printmaker, painter, and teacher who was born in Czechoslovakia in 1903. He studied at the Massachusetts School of Art in Boston, where he earned a degree in education, and the Museum of Fine Art School. Novak later became an instructor of architectural drawing at the Wentworth Institute in Boston. He's best known for his views of Boston and vicinity so this floral print is a delightful departure. Ex-collection: Reba Williams, New York.
$1,300