Bidspirit auction | Clyde Edgar Paine

Clyde Edgar Paine - CLYDE E. PAINE (1881-1951) KANSAS INMATE PEN AND INK. Clyde Edgar Paine C.G.W.'s Happy Family at K.C. Mo. 1936 The dense and highly detailed pen and ink composition is signed and dated by the artist lower right. It skillfully details more than 300 individuals in a lively and expressive manner, giving each its own characteristics and, in many cases, an identifying caption steeped in humor and camaraderie. There are also references to railroad fraternal organizations, politicians, inside jokes, slogans of the day, 1930s memes and depictions of fantastical imagery. The handiwork displays a high level of skill and dedication to detail all backstopped by many thousands of pen strokes to create the intricate line work and shading that completes the elaborate composition. This is one of three known works on paper by a previously unidentified artist incarcerated at the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas from 1922 until his death in 1951. Two of the known works are in this auction. The third is in the collection of the Lansing Historical Society and Museum. A social media post by them in 2022 reads, 'Very little has been found on the artist and the search to find out more continues.' We've determined that the artist was a cartoonist and wood carver named Clyde Edgar Paine, an inmate at the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas. Prior to incarceration, he was a railroad worker living in Kansas City, Kansas. He worked as an inspector for various lines on the Missouri side of the city, including the Rock Island and the Chicago Great Western. On August 24 of 1922, reacting to 'rumors in the neighborhood' Paine shot and killed Jack Heath during an argument. He was initially declared insane and confined for two years in the insane ward at the penitentiary. He was then declared not insane, tried in the Wyandotte County District Court, found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. C.E. Paine, as he signed his work, was clearly a talented draftsman and was also known to produce woodcarvings. A walnut pull toy from the estate of Kansas Governor Alf Landon can be attributed to him. The toy was a gift to commemorate the birth of Landon's son John on December 28, 1933. Clemency may have been the motivation. Paine had earlier sought remedy for his situation in 1932 with a petition bearing 3500 names asking for his clemency. It was ignored by then Governor Harry H Woodring, Image measures 8.75 x 15 with a framed size of 10.75 x 16.75 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Dimensions Image measures 8.75 x 15 with a framed size of 10.75 x 16.75 inches. Condition Apparently the condition is very good, very clean, intact, no visible stain, damage, repair, punctures or tears. This work has not been examined outside the frame.