Red Skelton Appraisal

Red Skelton 'Freddie the Freeloader' Clown Playing Violin Painting

This item is an oil painting on canvas, depicting a sorrowful or melancholic clown playing the violin. The clown, likely Red Skelton's 'Freddie the Freeloader' character, has a distinctive appearance with a black painted 'beard' and red nose, offset by a white painted face with prominent eyes showing a doleful expression. He wears a tattered dark greenish-blue coat over a bright red vest or shirt, with a white collar visible. A red bandana with white floral patterns is tied around his neck. His hands are depicted with an almost bluish-white pallor, indicative of the clown's makeup, and he wears what appears to be a blue band on his left wrist. The violin is rendered in warm brown tones, and the bow has a black and red element near the frog. The background is a stark, solid blue, bringing focus to the figure. The painting is housed in a simple, likely wooden, frame with a gold-colored finish and an inner linen or fabric liner. A notable feature is the signature 'Red Skelton' on the right side of the canvas, near the shoulder of the clown, indicating authorship by the famous entertainer himself. The brushstrokes appear visible, suggesting a textured application of paint. The overall condition appears good with no significant visible damage, tears, or major abrasions, though minor wear on the frame might be present. The estimated age would be mid to late 20th century, consistent with Red Skelton's artistic period. The craftsmanship reflects an expressive style, capturing the emotional essence of the character with vivid color and bold forms.