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Lot description
Alternate title "The Spirit of the Age." Perhaps one of his greatest works, completed in 1853, this allegorical work was on loan for many years to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Massachusetts. The painting, rich in symbolism, illustrates the artists views on American expansion in relation to Europes past, with the central female figure representing a search for truth. Several essays have been written regarding the painting, including Angela Miller's "American Expansionism and Universal Allegory: William Allen Walls 'Nativity of Truth'" published in the "New England Quarterly", Vol 63, No. 3, September 1990, page 446-467. "The Nativity of Truth centers upon a youthful female dressed in white holding a quill pen which she has just dipped into the inkwell... She is preparing to write into a large volume headed TRUTH.." Created at a time when throngs of Europeans were immigrating the the United States in search of opportunity, the painting includes volumes of art, science, philosophy and other writings symbolizing the influence Europe will have on this young nation. The painting was traced by Richard Kugler of the New Bedford Whaling Museum to a sale on January 8, 1853. Provenance: Private Collection. Literature: Kugler, Richard. "William Allen Wall: An Artist of New Bedford." New Bedford: Old Dartmouth Historical Society, 1978, pg. 11. Artist: WILLIAM ALLEN WALL (American, 1801-1885) Condition: Very good to excellent. Restored, lined with aluminium. Frame has damage to corners. Created: 1853 Frame: Period composite and giltwood frame. Medium: Oil on canvas Signature: Unsigned Title: "THE NATIVITY OF TRUTH" Work Size: 72" x 59" Condition: Item Dimensions: Framed: 84" x 71".