Atmospheric skilled watercolor painting of Venice and the famous lagoon at dawn or sunset, signed at lower right by the artist, GUIDO AGOSTINI (1870-1898, different dates are shown in different reference sources). The painting, 11 3/4" by 15 3/4" inside the present mat, 18" by 22" in simple modern frame, shows the skill of its creator, with fine detail in the architecture, gondola, and figure, and the pink-orange light suffusing the scene...

A black and white photograph of San Patricio Church, in Hondo, Lincoln County (southeastern) New Mexico, signed in pencil on the wide mat by photographer K Cole-Hight and dated 1983, and titled at lower left "San Patricio Church". The work measures 6 3/4" by 7 3/4" and 16" by 20" as framed. Condition is excellent. I have been unable to locate information on the photographer.

An interesting pastel drawing on paper, circa 1940's, the subject a clear green glass vase of violet and blue flowers set on a round table top adjacent to a high-floor window in a big city, lacy curtains framing the scene at both sides. The envelope sitting on the table appears to have a signature on it, in the trompe l'oeil tradition of the artist signing his/her name on an envelope; but that signature despite my best efforts defies reading...

Watercolor painting of an elaborate Orthodox church on a rise above a lake in winter, a rowboat in the foreground, the work signed at lower right in Russian. On the reverse in ink is written the artist's full name, Sergei Nemirovski, and the date, 1998. Measuring 9 1/2" by 6 3/8" inside the mat (16 1/2" by 13 1/4" in simple wood frame), the piece is very clean and ready for the wall.

A PAIR of black and white photos of Chinese families, taken no doubt in China, circa early 20th century. The photos, which measure 11" by 14 1/4" (16" by 20 1/2" in black metal strip frames behind plexi) are later 20th century reprints of the originals. The images provide a fascinating look at the people of China in the early years of the century.

Watercolor painting of autumnal tree in a landscape, 21" by 14", unframed, signed at lower left Virginia Dicken and on reverse is written "Autumn Gold". I do not see information on an artist by that name but she was obviously familiar with watercolor technique, including wet-on-wet technique visible at upper right. Presently the work is taped at edges to a mat (can and should be removed). Condition is excellent; just frame it.

Print of an Austrian mountain village under a towering mountain range in winter, printed in grays, black and white with some subtle color, on silk, 10 3/4" by 13 1/4" inside the mat, 21 1/2" by 23" in silvery gray frame, pencil signed at lower right margin by the noted Austrian artist HANS FIGURA (1898-1978). Figura is known for his aquatints on paper and silk, featuring scenes of the Tyrolean Alps, Venice, other European locales, and even New York and elsewhere in the United States...

A finely painting oil on canvas landscape of a windmill in moonlit landscape, a structure at left with a glowing window, the clouds luminous with the eerie light, and possibly some grazing animals at right, the work apparently UNSIGNED. The detailed meticulous handling suggests an early 19th century date---or possibly even earlier; the work has an Old Master feeling. Measurements are 18" by 24" (21 1/2" by 28" in traditional style old walnut frame with gold fillet)...

Impressionist oil on panel painting of a hardy desert shrub in the California desert, 20" by 10 1/4" (22 1/2" by 13" as framed), signed at lower right corner M. Gustafson. On the reverse is a rubber stamp of De Ru's Fine Art of Bellflower, CA, a well-known source for vintage California paintings...

Portrait of a Woman Wearing a Painted Miniature Brooch

Oil-on-canvas, unsigned

Mid 19th Century

Painting: 20 ¼” x 16 ½”
Frame: 24 ¼” x 201/4”

Three oil still life works on canvas by the same hand, each signed "G. Gillson", circa late 20th century, all painted in an earlier style. Measurements are 12" by 16" and 9" by 12", and frames 1 3/4" wide on a side. I do not see a listing for an artist by this name. These are nicely painted and will complement your traditional interior. The dark, wood frames have some scratches and you might want to replace them with gold, which would dramatically improve the overall presentation...

A pastel on paper drawing of an urban alleyway with whitewashed structure and tiled roof, possibly in Mexico or other Latin country, signed at lower right by American artist "Dave M....", or similar. The work measures 14 1/2" by 10 3/4" inside the mat and 21" by 16" as framed. The artist has taken an everyday kind of scene and transformed it into a work of art. The art is in excellent condition as are the frame and mat.

A beautifully executed pencil, sepia chalk and white highlights drawing of a young woman, her arms crossed in front of her, signed at bottom and dated there 2004 by the noted Southern California contemporary artist JOHN BROWNFIELD. The measurements are 21 1/2" by 17 1/2" as framed, the mat window 14" by 10 3/4". A look at the drawing evokes the words "Old Master drawing". The artist, hailing from Illinois, showed early talent for art and was encouraged...

An unusual painting that could be described as an allegory of all that is southwestern: oil on canvas, 24" by 20", 30" by 26" in interesting wood frame, signed at lower right "Martin", and with further ink notation on stretcher "Navajo 1981". The artist appears to be Jean Martin, 1924-2011. Martin was born in Massachusetts and educated there in art...

A very interesting etching of what appears to be Paris' Montmartre section, (the windmill a famous feature, painted by many artists), signed in pencil in the lower right margin "B. Vilard". Surprisingly I do not see a listing for an artist by this name---could possibly be a pen name.. The work measures 8 1/2" by 11" inside the mat and 13 3/4" by 16 1/4" framed. It is very clean and fresh, despite likely dating to the first half of the 20th century. Note the subtle blue/brown colors.

Something of a mystery piece......a black and white photo, 12 5/8" by 11" including thin margins on three sides, (in a temporary protective-only frame), unsigned and unattributed, in a frame which bears old Christie's Los Angeles photo department sale and lot information that does not correspond with the image (I checked with Christie's photographs dept). The image of the moving train is in black and white though there is a hint of a pink/violet tint in a portion of the train sides...

A circa 1868 albumen photo on thin paper, 9 3/4" by 7 1/2" inside the mat and 19" by 15 1/4" framed, with the blind stamp at lower left of noted early Italian photographer GIACOMO BROGI (1822-1881). The subject is identified at bottom edge in the image, as "Gerusalemme" (Jerusalem) and is assigned reference number 4019 there. This is a view of the so-called "Golden Gate", the oldest of the gates in the walls surrounding Old Jerusalem...

A circa 1960's vintage oil on Masonite painting, 30" by 18" (36 1/2" by 24 1/2" as framed), unsigned, the subject a peaceful creek or marsh land area in late autumn, one tree in full autumnal colors. This is a very nicely painted work, which could benefit from a light cleaning, but you would not have to have that done. Condition is excellent, frame has a bit of wear consistent with age. The artist handled the light and reflections beautifully.