Watercolor on paper, 8 1/4" by 3 7/8", (14 1/4" by 9 1/2" as framed), apparently unsigned, circa late nineteenth century (1890's), showing the famous Piazza San Marco in Venice. This is a highly detailed little painting; note the young lady and her mother at left foreground, feeding the pigeons, and the dapper man at left with his cane and top hat; and the ornate streetlights at right. Most likely this was a piece executed for the tourist souvenir trade, Venice being on the Grand Tour trail...

A really well painted antique small watercolor of yellow roses, 6 1/4" by 8 1/4" in strip frame, signed at right with what looked to be LCTiff----When I purchased this in San Francisco area in the 1980's or early 1990's I thought it possibly a turn of the century work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Further research appears to establish that this is not the case. The signature does not resemble known Tiffany signatures and there is little to no record of still life works that resemble this...

Watercolor on paper, 9 1/2" by 13 3/4" (16 1/2" by 20 1/2" as framed), the subject a 19th century shipwreck engulfed by waves on what appears to be an Atlantic ocean beach, some tiny sails visible on the distant horizon. The artist painted in New England and specifically on Nantucket so this could well be coastal New England. The watercolor is signed at lower left by the listed Ohio and Pennsylvania artist RUFUS WAY SMITH (1840-1900)...

"Sun Set" Watercolor on paper, 18.5" x 12.5" This master artist was born in Belgium and lived in The Hague. He was the student of the famous romantic painter Anreas Schelfhout and is best known for his landscapes. His watercolors are rare and valuable. This piece is not only an exquisit example of Destree's talents as a watercolorist, it is an unusually large watercolor for Destree, adding to its value. The piece is approximately 150 years old and in excellent condition...

Watercolor on paper, unsigned, 9" by 5 1/2", (12 5/8" by 8 5/8" as framed), the subject a mansion's impressive doorway with Corinthian columns, hanging lantern, detailed cornices, balustraded balcony, and green shutters, with lush flowering plantings surrounding the entry. Unfortunately, this is unsigned. There are some framing notes on the reverse in old hand, including "Mrs. Buckingham", but there are no clues as to artist. The drawing was purchased in New England...

Excellent watercolor entitled Capri rendering sailboats sailing before the isle of Capri at sunset. William Frederick Settle ( 1821 - 1897 ). Signed WS lower right. "Early" gold frame. Dimensions: 10 7/8" x 9 1/8" framed

Unframed watercolor on paper laid on paperboard, 13 1/2" by 8 3/4" inside the present old green linen mat, painting of a blacksmith hammering a piece of metal on an anvil, signed at lower right with what appears as "A. Marrani". I do not see a listing for this talented artist. The painting has foxing in the background but it is widely and evenly dispersed and is not obtrusive...

At first glance appearing to be a print, this is in fact a painstakingly executed watercolor drawing, likely French I am thinking, measuring 16" by 20 1/2" (23 3/4" by 28" framed). The subject is of formal 18th century (earlier?) figures lounging on a classical Versailles-like terrace. They are surrounded by a balustrade, fountain, distant trees, and, in the immediate foreground, a border of oversized flowers...

Found in southwestern New Hampshire is this charming drawing, 7 3/4" by 5 3/4" (9 5/8" by 7 3/8" framed), the subject a lady with a slight neoclassical profile, standing isolated against an extensive landscape. There's no signature nor other information but it would appear to be an American drawing dating to the 2nd quarter of the 19th century...

This is a fine ink and wash drawing, 9 3/4" by 13 3/4" (16 5/8" by 20 1/2" framed), titled at lower left "CAPRI" and signed there by the artist, GONSALVO CARELLI (1818-1910). The artist's name is sometimes spelled "Consalvo" or "Consalve" or "Gonsalve". The scene includes more than ten vessels ranging from little more than rowboats to masted sailing ships. The famous island of Capri looms as a backdrop, the foreground boats filled with carefully drawn figures...

Antique watercolor painting of a castle-like structure in an extensive landscape, 7 1/4" by 10 7/8", 14" by 17" in frame, signed with initials "M. N" and dated 1882 and, curiously, also 1888, at lower left corner. This is likely by an amateur watercolorist. The work is a survivor, with paper browning, broken off corners, and a small puncture at center right. Presently it is loose and unmounted within the framing.

A rare original drawing, dated January 1849, titled in margin at lower center "Jackall Hunting in India", by listed England-born Australian 19th century artist HENRY GILBERT-JONES (1804-1888). The watercolor measures 13 1/2" by 19 1/2" (18 1/4" by 26" in lemon-gold frame). This appears at first like a classic traditional sporting art print of fox hunting, but closer examination reveals it is in fact a highly detailed early watercolor and ink drawing...

George C. Bell, American, active 1875-1889, Watercolor on paper, "Castle Path", image size: 14 1/4 x 10 11/16 inches, dated 1885 and signed in lr Geo. C. Bell

Watercolor on paper extensive landscape with sheep lounging peacefully around a mature tree in full spring bloom, 13" by 26" (23" by 35" as framed), signed at lower right by noted American artist CARL PHILLIP WEBER (1850-1921). The subject matter is rather typical of the artist's work. Weber was from the Philadelphia area and often painted rural, bucolic local landscapes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey...

Watercolor on paper painting of a classic stone castle with figures outside its portals, 14" by 10 1/2" (26 1/2" by 23" as framed), apparently unsigned. This is a circa 1850 work which has survived in presentable condition. There is foxing in the sky principally, as shown, but no large stains. To be sure, there were a lot of anonymous skilled watercolor artists in the British Isles in the 19th century, though this might well have been created by an artist that would be "listed" today.

A beautiful oil on canvas attributed to the renowned British artist Charles Robert Leslie, The painting depicting a woman and child or Madonna. The work measuring 48” x 36” Leslie was born in London to American parents. When he was five years of age he returned with them to the United States, where they settled in Philadelphia. Leslie completed his education and afterwards became apprenticed to a bookseller. He was, however, mainly interested in painting and drama, and when George Frederi...

A large scale Lithograph Landscape depicting a wooded scene with a River running towards a beautiful sunset. 19th century gilded ornate frame. Measuring 36x48”

The watercolor scene depicts a tent housekeeping camp on the shore of a body of water, with four figures, all African-American, in the composition, making it therefore quite unusual and scarce. The date of execution might be circa 1880 I feel, given the dress and the primitive camp set-up. The work is an historical record of African-American life in the 19th century. Size is 9 5/8" by 13 1/2" inside the mat, 18 1/4" by 22" in the narrow gold framing. I've looked in vain for a signature or hi...

Pastel on paper work, the subject a wintry tree and split rail fence in a snowy landscape, a distant house with smoke from a chimney suggestive of a snug refuge from the cold. The work is signed at lower left "E Taylor". Most likely, the date of execution is within ten years of the turn of the century. Condition is excellent. Measurements are 12" by 17 3/4" inside the mat and 21 1/2"by 26" in silvery modern framing with gold tint (some wear noted especially at bottom). Note that all photos ...

A PAIR of very early works (each dated 1889, when the artist would have been in only his mid twenties), each 9 1/2" by 14" (15 1/2" by 19" framed) signed at lower right by Northern California artist JULES MERSFELDER (1865-1937). The pair features coastal scenes of boats off of a coast and several small beached boats with tiny figures. Mersfelder was born in Stockton, east of San Francisco and a gateway to the gold fields. He went to San Francisco while in his teens, studying with Virgil Willi...

A large watercolor painting, apparently unsigned, 20 1/2" by 28 1/2" (52 cm. by 72 cm.) and 27 1/2" by 36" framed. The antique work has been laid on a thin card, earlier in the 20th century, so if there was information on the recto it is hidden. The fascinating scene contains at least 20 figures going about their business, two horses, numerous boats, and windmills in the distance, and carefully rendered architectural facades. The artist must certainly be someone known. I sent photos to Chr...

"Nun Admiring Lovebirds" (1875) Oil on canvas, 17" x 23.75" unframed, 24" x 30.75" framed This Florentine master artist is considered an Academic Artist. Academic Art is painting and sculpture produced under the influence of the Academies in Europe and especially France, where many artists received their formal training. It is characterized by its highly polished style, its use of mythological or historical subject matter, and its moralistic tone. Castagnola's paintings are allegorical, de...

This fine old work (9" by 20", 19 1/2" by 31" framed/matted, no glass) is a coastal scene including both steam and sail vessels on the horizon, as well as a shipwreck on the rocks at right, signed lower right and dated there 1888 by the well known American 19th century painter EDMUND DARCH LEWIS (1835-1910). The combination of vessel types, and the shipwreck, (which seems to be rare in the artist's body of work---I have extensively searched the auction records and cannot find another), makes fo...

English 19th century watercolor painting of a view of a small river outside a town, two fishermen at left trying their luck in the sluggish waters, the painting signed at lower left "F. K. Seville". The work measures 12 1/2" by 16" inside the mat (21 1/2" by 23 3/4" nicely framed with hand drawn mat lines). Note the details of the skyline, with its many church steeples. The work is nicely painted, which makes it all the more surprising that there is no listing for the artist. Frame has missi...

Watercolor on paper, unsigned, 11 1/2" by 19" inside the mat, 20 1/2" by 27 1/2" as framed, the subject a flotilla of impressive ships in a harbor, many of them flying the American flag. The artist is unknown, but was clearly a trained and skilled watercolorist. Judging from the steam vessels I would venture a guess that this would date to the late 19th century or early 20th. It's really a shame that the artist didn't sign it, because I feel it likely to have been executed by a listed or even...

Watercolor painting of a flock of sheep in a landscape, the central figure in blue with his black sheep dog, signed at lower left in ink rather illegibly, and dated there 1900. The work measures 9 3/4" by 19" inside the mat and 17 1/2" by 26 3/4" in excellent condition modern gold frame and clean mat with inner fillet. I have tried my best to figure out the identity of the artist and cannot do so; the artist might be anything from Belgian or Dutch to German or Eastern European. The watercolo...

Late 19th century watercolor painting of a religious road-side shrine, probably outside of Rome, an imposing church dome (probably St. Peter's Basilica) forming the backdrop to the scene. The painting is signed at lower left "Conti"; it is possible it is a work of the listed artist Tito Conti (1842-1924) but I cannot say for certain that he was the artist. The unframed piece measures 14 3/4" by 11 1/4". Note the exceptionally fine detail throughout; the traditional clothing of the foreground fig...

Framed watercolor on paper painting of small boats on shore and in a bay, unsigned, circa late 19th century. The (likely) east coast scene measures 9" by 19 3/4" inside the mat and 14 1/2" by 25 1/2" as framed. I did open up the backing to peer inside, in search of a signature, but a signature was not found. The paper was evidently mounted on a board in the nineteenth century, as that board has the old telltale down-the-middle line where the two old wood boards would have met. The fact that ...

A fine posthumous watercolor portrait of George Brodrick (1754 - 1836), 4th Viscount of Midleton, in youth, shown reading a book. watercolor inscription in lower right: George, 4th Viscount Midleton, N. 1754 Ob. 1836. Painting is in excellent condition, though the frame shows finish loss in several places. Painting was probably executed early 20th C. Artist is unknown. Midleton was a British nobleman eventually holding the rank of baron, educated at Eton and Cambridge, and sat as a Member of ...

A finely executed watercolor landscape of a forested high rocky cliff overlooking a distant valley, signed at lower left "F Green" and dated there 1873. The work measures 16" by 12 3/4" and 23 1/2" by 20" as nicely framed, with hand drawn mat lines. I am inclined to think the artist was American but suppose he/she could have been English. There are two most-likely possibilities as to artist identity---Frank Russell Green (1856-1940) and a little-known "Francis Green". If the former the work ...

Watercolor on heavy paper, 6 1/4" by 9", (9" by 11" as framed), unsigned, the subject a marble Parthenon-like classical ruined temple at right, several picturesquely dressed figures in the right foreground, and a cypress tree at left framing the scene. I would guess the age as circa mid 19th century. Unfortunately there is no signature nor other hint as to authorship. The paper is generally somewhat browned with advanced age, and the extreme left and right 1/2" or so is severely browned---evi...

***NOTE ALL PHOTOS TAKEN THROUGH TAPED GLASS***Watercolor on paper of a young woman in a delicate lace shawl and pearls, a small floral spray on her breast, measuring 14 1/2" by 10 1/2" (26" by 21 1/2" as framed), signed at lower right with the bold signature of well listed Spanish artist FEDERICO JIMENEZ Y FERNANDEZ (1841-1931). The artist's oils of harems and similar Orientalist subjects have exceeded $17,000 at auction in Europe. He was born in Madrid and educated in art there, showing abi...

A watercolor view from the side including the obelisk and the twin spires of the church Trinita dei Monti (The church of the Santissima Trinità dei Monti) at the top of the Spanish Steps above the Piazza di Spagna in Rome. In the distance is a hill with an umbrella pine. Augustus John Cuthbert Hare (British, 1834-1903) is best known as a writer. He also painted watercolors as illustrations for his travel books.

This view of Rome was probably mounted in an album and later removed along with...

This fine old work (15 1/2" by 20", 19 1/2" by 31" framed) is a peaceful and poetic scene of a house by a lake, mountains visible beyond, the crescent moon above, signed lower right and dated there 1883 by the well known American 19th century painter EDMUND DARCH LEWIS (1835-1910). This is likely a scene from the Adirondacks or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The artist painted from Maryland to Maine, visited Cuba and apparently Italy, and even apparently spent a short time on the Pacifi...

An impressively detailed circa 1860's watercolor of Lausanne in western Switzerland, signed at lower right by listed French artist Achille Gratien Gallier (1814-1871). The 150 year old work is in excellent condition, appearing to have been done yesterday. The scene is the Cathedral of Notre Dame (dating to as early as 1170) and nearby buildings, with tiny figures in the foreground, and even their hound dogs playing at lower left. Measurements are 10 1/4" by 9 1/4" and 17 1/4" by 16" in a mode...

Antique watercolor painting of five rabbits in a grassy scene, feasting on several peaches, some reduced to just pits. The charming work measures 5 1/4" by 6 7/8" (and the old gold turn of the century frame is 11 1/4" by 13 1/4"). Frame is in above average condition for a frame of its type and period, with just one gold-painted area at left edge where there had been some loss of the design.