Bidspirit auction | William Goadby Lawrence ”He Breaks”

William Goadby Lawrence ”He Breaks” Marlin Oil - William Goadby Lawrence (American, 1913-2002). Oil on canvas painting titled ”He Breaks - Leaping White Marlin.” Signed along the lower right. Depicting one of Lawrence's signature marine motifs, the leaping White Marlin fish, a subject he returned to often throughout his career. Labels from Quester Gallery and The Sporting Gallery and Bookshop Inc., New York affixed the verso. Exhibition label affixed to the verso. Exhibition: The Sporting Gallery & Bookshop Inc, NY, ”Oil Painting of Big Game Fishing by W. Goadby Lawrence, ” January 8-23, 1937. Lot Essay: William Goadby Lawrence was one of America’s foremost marine artists of the 20th century, renowned for his dynamic depictions of saltwater game fish, maritime scenes, and vivid portrayals of aquatic life. Born in Rumson, New Jersey, on August 17, 1913, he showed early artistic talent, studying at the Art Students League in New York and holding his first solo show at age 21 at Abercrombie & Fitch in New York City. His career was marked not only by technical excellence but also by a deep personal connection to the sea. During World War II, Lawrence served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Combat Artist and Chief Boatswain’s Mate, participating in major battles including North Africa, Sicily, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. For his bravery aboard the U.S.S. Samuel Chase, he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry and Intrepidity in Action. After the war, he built a distinguished career as both a fine artist and illustrator, contributing to prominent magazines such as Field and Stream and The Saturday Evening Post, which featured his painting of a marlin on the cover in February 1942. His realistic and classically styled portraits of game fish, salmon, and trout earned him widespread acclaim and exhibitions at galleries such as the Kennedy Gallery, the Sporting Gallery, and the Harlow Gallery. He was also a published artist in noted fishing books and an avid angler himself, even representing the U.S. on the national Tuna Fishing Team. Lawrence’s work is preserved in prestigious collections including the Library of Congress, the Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Museums. Celebrated for his technical mastery and deep passion for marine life, William Goadby Lawrence remains a towering figure in American sporting and marine art. Unframed; height: 20 in x width: 24 in. Framed; height: 24 in x width: 28 1/2 in x depth: 2 in. Condition: Please email us at condition@revereauctions.com for a condition report or additional photos.