The Valley Freight Train

Dateca. 1938

Artist Earl Cunningham (1893-1977)

MediumOil on pressed fiberboard (Masonite)

DimensionsUnframed: 16 x 25 1/2in. (40.6 x 64.8cm) and Framed: 28 x 37 1/2in.

Credit LineGift of the Honorable Marilyn L. Mennello and Michael A. Mennello.

Object number1992.102.2

DescriptionLandscape view with an unusual perspective of trees, hills, and buildings, and a narrow train track undulating through the hills and across a body of water in the foreground of the picture. A train is shown steaming across the bridge which spans the water.

The 6-inch white-washed, flat wood frame is original.
Label TextEarl Cunningham led a checkered life, working at a wide variety of jobs and moving several times before settling permanently in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1949. But from the time of his boyhood, painting pictures remained a constant pursuit. Cunningham's subjects range from realistic to fantastic, yet all his works are marked by brilliant color.

InscribedInscribed in paint, lower left, "EARL Cunningham".
ProvenancePurchased directly from the artist by CWF's source, M/M Michael Mennello.