Matthew 6:19 (The Auction)
Date1939
Mediumoil on canvas
DimensionsSight: 29 1/2 x 35 1/2 in. (74.9 x 90.2 cm)
Framed: 42 1/8 x 48 1/4 x 3 1/8 in. (107 x 122.6 x 7.9 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Hokin
Object number57.062.000
DescriptionPaul Sample, as a New England and Western Regionalist, sought to express the traditions, morals and customs of the American people of early twentieth century. The spirit of the recently deceased, accompanied by a dog, the traditional symbol of fidelity, is shown overlooking the auctioning of lifelong possessions. An aged white horse in the background represents the passing of a more rural and moral New England, while three auto-mobiles to the foreground represent commerce and the new age to come. The title of this work comes from the Gospel verse, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” The following verse completes the moral: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through not steal for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
