A well rendered and rare surviving 1920s original oil on board illustration by the prolific New York artist Charles M. Relyea. Featuring an art deco Indian Maiden this is a fine example of American calendar art and was a widely published image titled “Chums” which evokes the allure of the Indian Maiden and wonderfully captures the Depression-era popular fascination with exotic-themed escapism. A dated 1939 original advertising calendar of this image is included in the sale, showing the longevity and popular appeal of this Indian Maiden rendering as the painting was likely done a full 10 years before this calendar was printed.

Above: A printed Calendar of this image “Chums” dated 1939 included in sale

Charles Mark Relyea; 1863-1932 was born in Albany New York and studied under Thomas Eakins at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Relyea was a Salmagundi Club Member and a Society of Illustrators Member. He had a long and prolific career as an illustrator despite losing an eye in 1914 when he was struck by a golf ball at a course in New Rochelle, New York.

Above: Verso view

Above: Verso notations and artist’s name