William Aiken Walker (American/South Carolina, 1838-1921) oil on board cabin scene painting with an African American family gathered before a small house. Chickens walk through the yard while laundry hangs on a line at right and a palm tree stands at left. Signed lower left. Housed in a wooden frame with gilt sight edge. Board: 9 1/4 in. H x 12 1/4 in. W. Sight: 8 3/4 in. H x 11 3/4 in. W. Framed: 14 in. H x 17 in. W. Note: This painting will be included in John Fowler's forthcoming catalogue raisonne of the artist's work. Artist Biography: The son of a prominent cotton agent, Charleston-born William Aiken Walker exhibited his first painting at the South Carolina Institute Fair at the age of 12. He went to Europe to study art in 1860 but returned to America during the Civil War, in which he served as a Confederate private and, following an injury, as a cartographer. After the war, Walker became primarily known for his prolific Southern scenes, mostly depicting rural plantations and the daily life of African Americans. 

Overall very good condition, with scattered retouch especially to sky, largest area above palm, 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. See UV photography. 

Sotheby's; September 17, 2019; Lot 32