2 of 2 “Clown Art” by: Franca

Description

About the Art

• Artist: The signature reads “Franca.” While there isn’t one singular world-renowned master by this name, “Franca” was a prolific signature associated with decorative oils produced for the mass market during the mid-20th century.
• Style: These are impasto oil paintings, characterized by the thick, textured application of paint (visible in the clown’s ruff and the background of the banjo player).
• Subject Matter: One painting depicts a “Hobo” style clown with a birdcage and umbrella, a common trope representing the “sad but hopeful” wanderer. The second depicts a musical clown with a banjo. These were often sold in pairs or sets to decorate dens, hallways, or children’s rooms.

Frame: The frames appear to be original to the period—dark wood with a thin orange/red “liner” or fillet. This color pop was a hallmark of 1960s interior design.