Ard, Kurt (b. 1925). 'Father and Daughter'

Gouache on board, signed 'Kurt Ard' in lower right margin. 39 x 60 cm. Published in 'Grön Eld' in Allers (Sweden), no. 22, 1954 and Grønne flammer' in Illustrated Familie Journal 21, 1954. -and possibly in other magazines.

Kurt Ard rose to international prominence from the 1950s onwards, with cover illustrations for major publications such as The Saturday Evening Post and Reader’s Digest. His work characteristically adopts a gently humorous view of domestic life, reflecting the idealised image of the American family in the post-war period, and at times recalling the imagery of Norman Rockwell. A selection of Ard’s work was recently offered in the Christie’s private sale Now and Then | Illustrations by Kurt Ard, as well as in the Modern American Art sales (2024). The present work was acquired by the current owner prior to these sales. *Included with the artwork are a photographic print depicting Ard holding the painting at the time of the transaction, as well as the two aforementioned original magazine articles.