The charming depiction in oils on canvas, in the provincial naïve manner, showing a tarpon fish leaping in profile having been line caught, to a grey sky and foamy sea green waters, the whole signed lower right J.Leonhard, and surviving from the second half of nineteenth century America.
Unknown.
There is a listed artist by the name of Johannes Leonhard (German, 1858-1913), but we do not think this is the same hand. The name though, is of German origin, and it may have been that the artist in question settled in America from Germany.
Tarpon are very fussy eaters and some anglers use sardines to lure them. It is very difficult to hook a Tarpon because they have bone-hard mouths and very fine sharp teeth. They are very large fish and those who manage to hook one have the challenge of reeling it in as the fish thrashes and jumps about.
An early and wonderfully folky work and of a subject rarely depicted.
The painting is in good overall untouched condition, presented unframed and with no damages or previous restoration to speak of other than some light scratch marks.
By appointment only.
