"Elk" by James E. Allen, Amer., (1894-1964)

Lithograph on warm white wove paper, 1945, ed. unknown, 12-7/8 x 9-1/8, signed in pencil, some skinning to margins, mostly at right, pale mat line. Deservedly well known for his industrial labor scenes, Allen also produced a number of wild game subjects. This print was commissioned from Allen in 1945 by Kindred Maclean & Company, Inc.as a Christmas premium to clients. This impression still retains the original label issued by the company with the print. While it does not mention an edition size, it does mention a commission the previous year from Allen, this print being considered a companion to that one, presumedly also a wild game subject. The label states the following: 'This new print shows a bull elk leading two cows to a lower area to escape the heavy winter snows and to avoid starvation or attack from wolves. The locale is the mountains of Montana, with which Mr. Allen is particularly familiar.'