Posted 14 years ago
Bing
(1 item)
After countless hours of research and phone calls I have still been unable to get a full history on this uniquely obscure, painted advertisement. I can only speculate but it appears to be from the early 1930's-40's or so.
I have spoken with a historian in Jefferson, Iowa and he did confirm that the Iowa Stock Food Co. was a real company and explained some history about the owner and company operations.
I absolutely love the depth of content within this piece. It has this dark, Alfred Hitchcock kind of movie feel to it but yet so exact to its advertising message for this time period. The shading and shadowing is done very well to give that superimposed kind of look to it.
The painting is on what appears to be old masonite of some type. It has a hardwood frame and old cardboard material for backing.
I have been unable to find anything like it and if at all possible would gladly appreciate more insight to this historic artifact.
I don't think it's hand painted, unless it is the original art for the poster advertissment, which is rare, even for farm feed signs. I think it might be a print of the original artwork for the advertisment of the copmpany, and the high gloss finsih may have confused you for paint, unless you see strokes in the gloss that follow the letters and figures.