Rie Munoz signed 1957 oil painting family dog Hic-cup

[Mary Ann Laun]

This is a rare, signed oil painting by Rie Munoz that I purchased in
1999 (9x12, simple wood frame). I wrote to Juan Munoz to check on
its authenticity and to learn about the history of the painting. He
replied:

"Your 1957 oil painting is of "Hic-cup" our old husky, a 110 pound
husky that adopted my mom and dad when they were on King Island
teaching in the early 50's. My mom said she was imatating the stylor
of "Alaskan Dog Artist", Josephine Crumrine. Josephine was charging
$500 for one of her original portraits of a dog, back in the 50's!
Rie's paintings were selling for $35 at the time, so she painted her
own.

Mom is still trying to remember when and why she sold it. The
painting, although not the style she is known for, is an original
Munoz. I would place the value between $1500 and $2500 [1999
valuation].

I hope you enjoy the painting and the story of who the dog is.
Hic-cup returned to Juneau with my parents when they left King Island
and lived a nice long life!

Sincerely,
Juan Munoz,
Rie Munoz, Ltd."