Description
Up for consideration is a fine Watercolor Painting or historical Illustration by listed Detroit Artist Joseph L. Kraemer (1872-1938). Overall dimensions including the mounted drawing board is 22.5 x 28.5 inches but the actual art work measures around 15 X 18.5 inches. The scene depicts what looks like an 18th Century English or American Trade Ship docked in a harbor with nobody on deck as an oriental smaller boat "Junk" is headed towards her. The crew on Junk look very intensely focus on the boat...and look to be moving in haste. There looks to be some sort of passenger who is well dressed perhaps a government official or merchant. It really is well done & successfully provides a world of information. Although the historical record does not support a great amount of his work...Kraemer probably has done quite a bit of work however most illustrators of that early time era have gone unnoticed as for the most part companies did so much work by hand that illustrations it would be impossible to hold on too all of the work...as such a few samples may have been kept & the rest tossed out or given to the company that commissioned the work. Likewise it was on to the next one. It would be impossible to store all the art work... Kraemer worked in Detroit as an illustrator & cartoonist for the Detroit News. He is noted as "signing the beam" at The Scarab Club here in Detroit ... Likewise was the president, a very prestigious honor, at the Scarab Club from (1931-35). The Scarab Club is still functioning today. According to archives He was noted as illustrating a historical adventure books in the 30's & made contributions to magazines with illustrations & the likewise & a variety of other tasks associated with accomplished illustrators of the time era. I have uncovered over 20 Kraemer illustrations in a portfolio from an old collector. Please keep an eye on my listing because I will be listing all of the work over the next few days. You may be pleasantly surprised at the quality of work & talent that has been hidden away for decades... Kraemer was part of the Scarab Club here in Detroit Michigan & served as it's president for a few years. Although not all that valuable compared to his contemporaries of National Fame such as Flagg, Christy or Wyeth he was a very gifted illustrator as his work will stand right up there with some of the greats of that time era. If u have any questions concerns or something to share please message me. Best Regards, John JohnnyCrystal Est. 1987 Painting Illustration J.l. Kraemer Magazine Historical Chinese Ship Trade Nautical Art Cover
