This is an elegant work, the first impression being that of a Japanese panel with interlocking silvery metallic sheets as a background, and the natural world the theme; note the wonderful dragonflies and leaves and reeds and pebbles. The artist signed at lower right in red. Born in Holland on Oct. 3, 1898, HARMAN C. KOOPS was a veteran of WWI and by 1930 was working in Los Angeles. He died there on Aug. 31, 1957...

Oil on fine weave canvas, 9" by 12" plus narrow wood frame, the subject various pitchers and other objects, painted in the typical style of the artist, and signed at lower right by French-American painter ANDRE GISSON (GITTELSON). The cool stillness of the scene takes from the still life works of the great modern master Giorgio Morandi...

A black ink on paper drawing , unframed, 19 1/2" by 16 1/2", signed at lower right with the "F.M." initials of noted American artist, muralist and illustrator FLETCHER MARTIN (1904-1979). The subject is a cavalier-type man and a woman in 18th century dress. This might have been executed as illustration of a published story or book, or perhaps as stage design. There is some white gouache at upper right...

ONE OF A NUMBER BY THE ARTIST IN MY SHOP**This is a small etching (the sheet 7 1/2" by 5 1/2", respectably matted but not framed), by the noted California artist HARRIET GENE ROUDEBUSH (1908-1998), titled at lower left margin "Russian Hill" and pencil signed at lower right by the artist. The artist depicts a bird's eye view looking northwest from Russian Hill towards distant Mount Tamalpais in Marin County across the Golden Gate...

A rarely seen hand signed (ball point pen, lower right margin) poster printed to publicize the 1992 Taos Arts Festival, the poster featuring a painting of the Taos Pueblo against snow capped mountains, western horses in the foreground. The piece measures 27" by 20 1/2" as framed (no glass). ILA MAE McAFEE (1897-1995) was an American painter, muralist, illustrator and author born in or near Gunnison, Colorado...

A fine oil on canvas painting, the subject a water powered mill by a peaceful stream in the autumnal French countryside, signed at lower left by the noted painter and graphic artist PAUL EMILE LECOMTE (1877-1950). The work (26" by 20", and " by " as framed) exhibits the highly developed classic impressionist technique for which the artist is noted. Lecomte was a student of his father, Paul Lecomte Sr. (1842-1920). He studied at the Beaux-Arts in Paris...

A rare, early (1934) watercolor from an artist of the so-called "Lost Colony" of Saint Augustine, Florida artists, ROBERT HAMILTON, featuring one of the classic old buildings of the town dating to the end of the 18th century, the "Old Fatio House", (known today as the "Ximenez-Fatio House"), painted in an impressionist hand. Hamilton signed the work and lower right and dated it there. Measurements are 9" by 13 1/4" inside the mat, 14 1/2" by 18 3/4" as framed...

A small late 20th century watercolor titled on reverse label "Brazeau River", signed lower right with initials "MH". The work measures 5" by 3 1/4" inside the mat and 9" by 7" as framed. The Brazeau River is 130 miles in length and runs in a generally easterly direction from the high Canadian Rockies of Alberta, through the foothills and towards the plains where it merges with the North Saskatchewan River...

An oil painting directly on a chunk of sandstone, by the noted western American artist, writer and philosopher A KELLY PRUITT (1924-2009), featuring a young Native American girl astride a horse. The work is inscribed "To a beautiful spirit Kristen/with love A Kelly Pruitt". The irregularly shaped work measures approximately 12" by 12" and weighs a full 4 1/2 pounds...

Etching with color possibly hand-applied, 5 1/4" by 5 5/8" inside the inner gold fillet, 11 1/2" by 10 7/8" as framed, unsigned, by important French 20th century artist MARIE LAURENCIN (1885-1956). From having checked the 1981 catalog raisonne by Daniel Marchesseau, I have determined that the most official title of this work is "Fillette aux Yeux Vertes" ("Young Girl with Green Eyes", although a number of other titles are in common usage for this unusually popular print)...

By French School of Paris (L'Ecole de Paris) artist ROGER CHASTEL (1897-1981), a color lithograph print on heavy paper, possible title "Nature Morte", numbered in pencil at left margin 115/220, and with blind stamp "GG" in a circle. Chastel was active as an artist for decades, beginning at a very young age. By the 1920's he was already exhibiting. Later in life, his works were exhibited internationally...

An Old Master woodcut illustration of Theuerdank defeating another knight, one of 118 cuts illustrating one of the greatest books of the German Renaissance, going by that same name, Theuerdank. The book is considered something of a chivalric romance, relating the fictionalized, romanticized adventures of Maximilian I in the course of his journey to the Netherlands in 1477 to fetch his bride, Mary of Burgundy. Apparently Maximilian, also known as the Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519), wanted to ac...

A typical example of the work of Dutch 18th century printmaker JACOBUS HOUBRAKEN (1698-1780), titled "Abraham van der Hulst/Vice-Admiraal van Holland en West-Vriesland". The small engraving measures 6 1/2" by 4 3/8" inside the mat opening and 9 1/2" by 7 1/2" framed. Houbraken was born in Dordrecht. He learned the art of engraving from his artist father Arnold Houbraken. In the course of his lifetime he executed over 400 such portrait engravings, many of the likenesses being today the only k...

After a drawing by the noted French artist JEAN-FRANCIS AUBURTIN (1866-1930), this is an engraving in sanguine colored ink by the noted Swiss artist GEORGES AUBERT (1886-1961). Both artists have signed their names in pencil, Auburtin at the left and Aubert at the right. The work measures approximately 14" on a side within the mat opening (not examined out of frame), and 20" by 18 1/2" as framed. The image is of a young female viewed from the side, her legs drawn up, as she blows on a large sh...

A decorative print, 27" by 23 1/2" in its white wood frame with blue inner fillet, after the painting "Blue Bouquet" by the important modern French artist BERNARD BUFFET (1928-1999). The painting was produced in 1957, so the print likely dates to the late 1950's or early 1960's. There are light scratches at lower right measuring about 4", and some small loss areas at upper left showing as white spots. These are not major issues when viewed casually from normal viewing distance, and if they tr...

This is a watercolor by a trained hand, 7 1/2" by 14 3/4", laid on a white board, (minimally framed, no glass), the subject a coastal landscape of rocks and headlands, signed at lower right with what appears to be the signature of noted Alaska and California artist THEODORE J. RICHARDSON (1855-1914). There are also some pieces of old paper affixed to the back of the board, with the notations "I saw this watercolor in previous undamaged condition with signature Thoe. Richardson---signed in lower...

A pencil signed limited edition color print "We The People 1787", featuring Ben Franklin at printing press with assistants, evidently producing copies of the Constitution for distribution in the colonies. The work measures 18 3/4" by 25 1/4" and 25" by 32" framed/matted (wood frame, no glass). The artist signed in pencil at lower left margin and at lower right the piece is numbered 344/2000. MORT KUNSTLER (1931-) is an important American illustrator, with works having exceeded $30,000 at New ...

**PAIR** of fine engravings, each 15 1/4" by 22 3/4", (24" by 30 1/2" as framed), from the famous series "The Voyage of Life", mid 19th century, after the series of four paintings of that title by the major American artist and founder of the Hudson River School, THOMAS COLE (1801-1848). All four images from the series are composed of imaginary scenes and are filled with allegory and symbolism. The two prints offered here are "Youth" and "Old Age" (the missing ones being "Childhood" and "Manhood...

Watercolor on paper of two spaniels, the hunter nearby in a wooded landscape, " by ", unframed, signed at lower left with monogram that resembles the monogram of noted American artist JAMES DAVID SMILLIE (1833-1909). This is obviously an American work, not European, but I cannot confirm that it's by the noted American artist James David Smillie. I researched the monogram and see the clear resemblance to that of Smillie. Regardless of authorship, this is a fine late 19th century drawing and sh...

Watercolor painting of a lone fisherman on coastal rocks, 14 3/4" by 22" (22 1/2" by 29" framed), signed at right center "E. Dunlavey". This is a well executed impressionist work by an artist who does not appear to be listed in standard directories. Condition is excellent with exception some age toning; the border between the portion that had been exposed to air and the portion that was hidden by the mat is now a vertical line about 1 1/2" from the right edge of the heavy, quality watercolor p...

Old watercolor and gouache painting of pink roses, unsigned, first half of the 20th century, 15 1/2" by 31 1/2" framed. The long and narrow work is very clean and ready for that special wall. Has a very shabby chic feeling.

Oil on canvas, 26" by 32" (34" by 40" framed, signed at lower right by mid century French well listed artist ABEL GERBAUD (1888-1954). This is a work in that modern School of Paris style popular at mid century. Note the title on the stretcher, "l'islandais dans le port de St. Goustain". That stretcher also bears some distinctive stencil numbers which often indicate in my experience that a work has been offered by Christie's auction house, and there is a tiny fraction of an original label with...

Oil on canvas painting of the famous cathedral at Taxco, Mexico, (historical town outside of Cuernavaca, popular with tourists and artists due to its setting, history and architecture), the work dating to late 20th century, signed at lower right "N Prevo". Measurements are 27 1/2" by 36" and 31" by 39" framed. Note the detail captured by the artist in the left portion of the composition, especially the tiny figures and animals, tiered houses with their red tile roofs, and the two mothers holdi...

This is a matching PAIR of prints, one of shorebirds like snipe, the other of partridge-type fowl, each print measuring 13 1/2" by 19 1/2" inside the mat (18 1/2" by 23 1/2" as framed), both by ALEXANDER POPE, JR. (1849-1924), a noted American artist from Boston who is known for his Harnett style trompe l'oeil paintings of harvested wild birds, and sporting and wildlife art. Pope was from an upper class background, and he had a lot of time to paint. Today his finest works bring very large sums...

Original print in black and white, described on paperwork affixed to the backing as a Heliogravure, 10 1/4" by 8 3/4" inside the mat (26" by 22" as framed), not signed or numbered. The popular and familiar image is "Gabrielle et Jean" (after the famous painting of Renoir's wife and son). Heliogravure is described as one of the very earliest photographic etching processes. Apparently in 1919 at the artist's death, heliogravures were made of many of his popular paintings. Over the years, repr...

This is a rather unusual and visually arresting contemporary work by a Japanese or Japanese-American artist, signed at top right "Yasushi Saito" and dated there '78. An oil on canvas, unframed, measuring 23" by 19", the work is difficult to describe: a carp-like blue fish at right center appears with conical mountains that resemble Mount Fuji or desert peaks, as stunted bizarre vegetation, possibly trees, complete the visual feast. The scene is a fantasy for sure, resembling to my eye some du...

By 18th century German etcher and engraver GEORG FRIEDRICH SCHMIDT (1712-1775), this is a fine and beautiful print, titled "Der Bartige Orientale" (The Bearded Oriental), signed in the plate at upper left "G F Schmidt fec" and dated there 1750. Engraved in the plate at lower left in French: "dedie a Monsieur le Comte Algarotti Chambellan de su Majeste Russienne par su tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur Schmidt" (dedicated to Mr. le Comte Algarotti Chambellan from Her Russian Majesty by he...

Oil on Masonite panel painting of a thicket of trees in the snow, 16" by 12", 19 1/4" by 15 1/2" framed, signed at lower left by artist S C Swiderski and dated there '86 with copyright symbol. The bare trees are accompanied by a lone pine or spruce which gives a bit of green color to an otherwise silvery white/blue palette. The impressionist work is very attractive and it is in excellent condition. Note how the artist used the wooden end of the brush to create a groove in the wet paint. The ...

Drawing on paper, 6 1/2" by 9 1/4" the scene only, 9 1/2" by 12 1/2" as framed, signed at lower right, followed by "fec. 1818" (abbreviation of the Latin word "fecit", meaning "executed", in that year). Try as I might, I cannot make out the name. I've tried Pfohl, Pfahl, Pigott, and so on. In any event, here's a drawing that has survived in excellent condition after nearly 200 years. **PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOS ARE TAKEN THROUGH TAPED GLASS, SO ALLOW FOR HORIZONTAL LINES AND UNEXPLAINED SQ...

A circa late 1800's or circa 1900 antique painting on gray art board of a lake at sunset, a steep outcropping with ruins at left and a small boat completing the composition, unsigned, by an amateur hand, 13 1/2" by 8 3/4" as framed. The work is in an ornate turn of the century frame with a few missing chips that could be easily painted over in gold. What more is there to say---it is a classic little painting of its era, perfect for a small or narrow wall.

Old watercolor painting of Yosemite National Park's famous "Tunnel Tree", signed at lower right by artist J. M. Stewart. The tree became famous after the drive-through tunnel was cut through it in 1881, making it an instant tourist attraction and one of the wonders of the astounding west. The tree fell in a storm in 1969, at which time it was estimated to be 2,100 years old. It had reached a height of 234 feet. The tunnel was 7 feet wide, 9 feet high and 26 feet long at the base. Our waterc...

Pastel on paper painting of an outdoorsman cooking his dinner over an open fire alongside a creek or lake, the setting sun reflected on the waters where his boat is tied up, the work measuring 17 1/2 " by 25" (23 1/2" by 28" in its vintage circa 1920's frame). Signed at lower right "Gillette", this is by an American artist who was a member of the early century pastel school, now best known for works by William Henry Chandler, Glatthaar, Gunderson, and others. They generally created landscapes ...

This is a small but powerful, classic work of the 1930's, a view of two men and a woman waiting----appropriately titled, apparently by the artist, on the reverse backing, "Waiting Room". Unframed, presently with just a mat, the piece itself measures 7 3/4" by 10 1/4". The artist is ALBERT ABRAMOVITZ (1879-1963). Abramovitz was born in Riga, Latvia. He received art training at the Imperial Art School of Odessa, Russia, then went on to further study at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere in Pa...

Oil on canvas, 30" by 25" and 1 1/4" wide frame, unsigned, the subject two ladies and a cradled baby, in a traditional European interior of the nineteenth century. Due to the stretcher and canvas weave, I believe this is actually a work by an American artist, who skillfully copied a master work from Europe (probably Italian, or, Tyrol area/South German?). The painting would ideally be acquired by a restorer who can clean the painting and repair the large "L" shaped tear at lower left and a few...

THREE original watercolors of women in elaborate costuming of the Art Nouveau period, circa 1890's, each signed with the pen name "Japhet", identical sizes and framing, (10 1/4" by 6 1/2", and 13 1/2" by 9 1/2" framed), by the noted French illustrator artist ALEXANDRE JEAN LOUIS JAZET (1814-1897). Jazet was the son of an artist who became a skilled engraver and lithographer, working often in stage design as an illustrator. He often signed with the pen name "Japhet" and "Minon". Many of his im...

From the hand of pioneering modernist painter and printmaker GEORGE CONSTANT (1892-1978), a large (28" by 19 1/2" inside the mat, 36" by 27" framed) watercolor painting of white, pink and purple lilacs in a vase, signed at lower right by the artist. This is a striking work with a pronounced modern approach to still life. The background is essentially featureless, the vase outlines very simple, and then there is the beautiful curve at bottom, more suggestive of an artist palette than a table to...