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Frederick Shane
Frederick Shane Twilight of History 1947 Surrealist Oil Painting Rocket Scene
1947

$3,750List Price

About the Item

“Twilight of History” is a dramatic and highly symbolic 1947 oil painting on board by American modernist Frederick Shane. Created in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the painting presents a haunting allegorical scene in which three figures prepare to launch a rocket among the ruins of a devastated city. The composition captures the tension between destruction and technological progress, reflecting the profound cultural anxieties and hopes of the early atomic age. Shane renders the scene in bold, expressive color, layering vivid tones of red, yellow, green, blue, and brown to create an atmosphere that is both surreal and emotionally charged. The fractured architectural forms and dramatic lighting heighten the sense of a civilization at a turning point, while the human figures introduce a narrative of perseverance and rebirth. Blending realism with elements of surrealism and expressionism, the work exemplifies Shane’s ability to fuse storytelling with powerful visual symbolism. The painting is executed in oil on board, signed and dated 1947 in the lower left, with the title inscribed on the verso. It is presented in a vintage frame that complements the period character of the work. Framed dimensions: 24 ½ x 28 ½ x 2 ¾ inches Image size: 15 ½ x 19 ½ inches Provenance: This painting was included in the retrospective exhibition of Frederick Shane at the Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Missouri, and the State Historical Society of Missouri (September 14 – October 31, 1982). The work is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, page 29, plate 23. About the Artist: Frederick Shane was an influential American painter recognized for expressive genre scenes, portraits, landscapes, and psychologically charged symbolic works. He studied at the University of Missouri and the Kansas City Art Institute before continuing his training at the Art Students League of New York. Shane’s work has been exhibited widely and is represented in major institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. “Twilight of History” stands as a compelling example of Shane’s mid-century work—an imaginative and thought-provoking painting that reflects the existential questions and technological transformations of the post-war era.

Creator:
Frederick Shane (1906 - 1992, American)
Creation Year:
1947
Dimensions:
Height: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)
Medium:
Oil,Board
Movement & Style:
Surrealist
Period:
1940-1949
Condition:
Very good vintage condition. Detailed condition report available upon request.
Gallery Location:
Denver, CO
Reference Number:
Seller: 248331stDibs: LU2738037612

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