MacIntire, KS

Polo Player Caricature American: Mid 20th Century, Oil on canvas board, 29.5 x 29.5 inches, 37 x 37 inches, Framed, Signed lower left: K.S. MacIntire

Polo Player Caricature American: Mid 20th Century, Oil on canvas board, 29.5 x 29.5 inches, 37 x 37 inches, Framed, Signed lower left: K.S. MacIntire
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$3400

American, (1891 – 1979)

Humorous caricature of a polo player on a galloping horse in tones of red, white, brown and gray.  The player smiles broadly and looks off toward the left and holds a mallet in one hand.  MacIntire made many paintings of polo players, but the exaggerated cartoonist style of this one is a major departure from his usual approach, which was grounded in realism.  It may have been a friendly lampoon of a particular rider.

Kenneth Stevens MacIntire, an American illustrator, animalier, and sculptor, was born in Boston, and studied art at the Boston Museum School, Architectural Club School, Fenway School of Illustration, and the New School of Design.  During his art training, he supported himself as a mail runner in and around the harbors and waterways of Maine.  After serving in World War I, he opened a studio in Washington, D.C.  His work was featured on the cover of House Beautiful in 1920.

He moved to California about 1930, and lived in Palm Springs briefly before settling in the Hollywood Hills.  There he painted portraits of several famous horses, including Bing Crosby’s “Highstride.”  He had a particular interest in the game of polo, and did a series of watercolors and paintings of polo players in Hollywood Hills during the Golden Era of polo – the 1930s.  He was especially skilled in capturing the intense action of the polo match.

The Sonoma League for Historical Preservation honored him with an exhibition in the 1970s.

Condition:  Generally very good with the usual overall light toning and wear.  Framed in a gold metal frame (should be changed), with mat and linen liner (only the liner is shown in the picture above).