UNTITLED (THE ARTIST AND THE MERMAID)

This whimsical painting is a wonderful example of Ralph Cahoon’s and showcases his ability to create fantastical and humorous works. Cahoon (1910-1982) was the son of Scottish immigrants who settled in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He was the descendant of fishermen and whalers which heavily influenced the artist as reflected in the present work. In 1932, he married Martha Farham (1905-1999), the daughter of a talented furniture decorator. In their courtship, Martha taught Ralph the art of furniture decorating and in time, they both began painting folk scenes. Here, Cahoon paints one of his trademark mermaids admiring the work of the depicted artist. Below them in the foreground and spread across the beach are discarded sketches of the mermaid. Behind them, the seascape is anchored with a lighthouse and schooner on the horizon, recalling Cahoon’s Cape Cod surroundings.