Beautiful early California impressionist painting by well-listed artist, William Barr (1867-1933). This painting was done with oils on canvas board and is framed in its original Arts and Crafts carved, painted, and gilded frame. The painting is signed, lower left "Wm. Barr" and also titled and signed again, on the back, in very faint pencil "A Cottage Garden - Wm. Barr". In addition there is a small label affixed to the back, which reads"THE ETTER STUDIO - 1553 HAIGHT ST. - SAN FRANCISCO". This label is probably a gallery or framing shop where Barr sold some works, as it was very close to his San Francisco home.

Size: Painting - 12" x 16" / Frame - 16" x 20"

This work was no doubt painted between 1915 and 1925. The painting depicts a small stucco cottage, probably in the village of Carmel, near Monterey and the famous 17 Mile Drive. The cottage has flowers all around it and growing up it's sides. This kind of cottage garden view was a favorite of Barr's and he painted similar works while living in his native Scotland, however, the views of cottages in Scotland have heather growing around them, whereas this painting is clearly identified as a California scene by the large red poppies growing in the garden.

William Barr is a well-known American artist and is listed in many art references. Here is a short biography from "Artists in California 1786 - 1940" by Edan Hughes :

William Barr (1867-1933)

Painter. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on April 26, 1867. Barr began his art career as a student at the Glasgow School of Art (1895-98) followed by work at South Kensington (London) and Académie Julian in Paris (1904). He then taught at the Paisley School of Art in Scotland for 10 years. After earning a reputation in his native land, he first visited California in 1912 and, after joining the throngs who came to San Francisco for the Pan Pacific International Exposition - PPIE in 1915, decided to remain. Working from a studio in his home at 311 Lyon Street, he painted romantic and historical interpretations of California including genre scenes, figure studies, and landscapes as well as many portraits of prominent local citizens. Having studied the Old Masters, he carried their spirit into his work. Barr died in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 1933.

Exhibited: San Francisco Art Association, 1918-19; Fairmont Hotel, 1930; California State Fair, 1930; City of Paris (SF), 1939 (solo).

This is a fine example of William Barr's early work in California. The brushwork is beautiful and the paint is applied thickly on the canvas using a full and colorful impressionist palette.

This painting is in excellent original condition with no damage or previous restorations. The varnish has yellowed slightly and the work would benefit from a light cleaning, but displays very nicely just as it is. There is no missing paint, no crazing, the paint is firmly adhered to the support, and no chips or scratches. The frame is original and shows wear and missing paint to the surfaces. It could be restored (touched up) or replaced, but the painting looks very nice in it.

That being said, this work is ready to display and looks very nice just as it is.