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This is a surreal andUnusual Antique Old American Trench Folk Art World War 1 WWI Oil Painting on artist board, by early Los Angeles resident and World War I veteran, Clarence Burr (1896 - 1982.) This artwork depicts a grueling and bloody battle between American infantry and German soldiers on the Western Front. In the foreground, several German soldiers in a foxhole are being held up at the point of a bayonet by an American soldier. A large, mounted machine gun is just within arm's reach of the Germans. In the far distance a soldier is depicted being shot by a gunner in a machine gun nest, and an American tank rolls across barren snow-coveredterrain. Most strikingly, in the dark clouds above, a demonic and grotesque face, breathing fire, is visible in the winter sky, perhaps representing the Devil himself. Signed and titled: "Clarence Burr...Peace on Earth!" in the lower right corner. This artwork appears to be the artistic manifestation of dark and traumatic memories that the painter experienced during his service in World War I, it may have been painted on the front, or once he returned home. This artwork likely dates to the late 1910's - early 1920's. Interestingly, there is another painting on the verso of this piece, a colorful seascape scene. This artist board was likely repurposed during a time when artist materials were expensive and sometimes unattainable for most average Americans. Approximately 17 1/2 x 23 inches (including frame.) Actual artwork is approximately 12 x 17 3/4 inches. Good condition for a century of age, with mild edge wear and material loss to the antique ornate gilded wood frame (please see photos.) Acquired in Los Angeles County, California. This is the most far-out piece of World War I folk art I have ever witnessed and a stunningly thought-provoking example of this genre. Priced to Sell. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks!
About the Artist:
Brief Life History of Clarence E Burr
When Clarence E Burr was born on 17 February 1886, in Kansas, United States, his father, Lewis H Burr, was 40 and his mother, Rachel Ann Sutton, was 31. He lived in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States in 1950. He died on 4 March 1982, in Sonoma, California, United States, at the age of 96.Clarence Burrin the1940 Census
Age53, born in 1940Eureka,
Humboldt,CaliforniaHousehold MembersAgeHeadClarenceBurr53WifeGifford A Burr42StepsonPaul J Moore13
