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