Frank Leyendecker (German-American, 1877-1924), Dueling Scene

Oil on canvas, circa 1910, signed at lower right, inscribed to verso, framed.

Stretcher size 24 1/44 x 36 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 28 1/2 x 42 1/4 in.

Private Collection, Columbus, North Carolina

Frank Xavier Leyendecker was an American illustrator known for his designs for posters, magazines, and advertisements. He was born in Montabaur, Germany, and immigrated to America with his family in 1882, settling in Chicago. Frank and his brother Joseph Leyendecker (1874 - 1951) displayed artistic talents from a young age. Frank apprenticed with Carl Brandt and later attended the Art Institute of Chicago. At the age of 18, Frank joined Joseph in Paris at the Académie Julian.

When the brothers returned to America in the Fall of 1898, they opened a studio in Chicago. About a year later, they relocated to New York. Frank had great success doing covers for several magazines including Collier's, The Popular Magazine, McClure's, Life, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Success, The Saturday Evening Post, and the sales brochures for Chevrolet automobiles. He lived in a house built and co-owned by the two brothers in New Rochelle, New York, where he was a member of the New Rochelle Art Association. He suffered from depression and a drug addiction that ultimately led to his tragic death at age 48.

Paint flaking to right-hand side, scattered lifting and instability to paint, puncture at left upper shoulder and upper middle, grime and yellowing to varnish.