Almeda
Etching, 1936-37, edition unknown but probably about 25 impressions. 8 3/4 x 7 7/8 in. Signed and titled in pencil. Here we have a superb impression printed with tone. The margins are full. The condition is near perfect apart from a repaired tear in the upper margin not affecting the image. This is a Cleveland WPA print and bears the WPA/FAP ink stamp below the image. This is endearing portrait is one of several he etched. Sallee's work is discussed in the stellar Reba and Dave Williams catalog, Alone in a Crowd, Prints of the 1930s-40s by African-American Artists.
SOLD

Ermetta
Etching, probably done in 1937, edition unknown. 6 7/8 x 5 1/2 in. Signed and titled in pencil. Here is a superb impression printed with plate tone. The margins are full. The condition is fine other than a repaired tear in the margin at left, well outside of the image. This is a Cleveland WPA print and it bears the ink stamp "FEDERAL ART PROJECT No.1". The edition was probably about twenty-five impressions which was typical for WPA works.
SOLD

The Post Setters
Soft ground etching, circa 1937, edition unknown, perhaps about 25. 5 3/8 x 6 3/4 in. Signed and titled in pencil. This is a fine, dark impression of this rare Cleveland WPA print. The margins are wide and the condition is very good. (There's a skillfully repaired split in the top margin, well away from the image and faint traces of adhesive in the outer margins.) Sallee graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1936 and from Case Western in 1938 with a B.S.E. degree. His work is discussed in the Reba and Dave Williams catalog, Alone in a Crowd, Prints of the 1930s-40s by African-American Artists (1993). This impression does not have the WPA stamp which occurs with many artists working in the various programs. Case Western has an impression of this print in their WPA collection.
SOLD