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...

"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, 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)...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

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. Sheep are often found in his compositions and this painting certainly includes them...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

***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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Coastal watercolor and gouache painting, the scene likely of the New England shoreline, perhaps near Boston, waves breaking on a beach with rocky outcroppings, signed at lower right corner by artist SHARP. The painted area of the work measures 6" by 12", the sheet on which it is painted 8 3/4" by 14 3/4". The painted area is not a separate sheet laid down to a backing----it is all one sheet. There is staining of the left margin area but this is not of importance since freshly matted with arch...

A By-path

Henry Hobart Nichols, Jr. (American, 1869-1962)

Watercolor on paper, signed and dated: “1897”.

Exhibited at the Third Annual Washington Water Color Club, 1898.

Illustrated in McMahan, The Artists of Washington, DC: 1796-1996, p. 158.

Provenance: from the Estate of Virgil McMahan.

A painter and illustrator, Nichols was a member of quite an artistic family. His father, brother and wife were all professional painters as well.

He had diverse ...

PAIR of watercolor paintings of southern Italian street scenes, each 14" by 8 1/2" (17" by 11 1/2" as identically framed in early 20th century frames). Both are signed in the lower corners by artist "A. Esposito". I do not see a listing for this name but the artist was talented. Colors are fresh and the scenes are full of interesting details, the people going about their daily business and finding time to gossip. There is a little foxing in the sky, especially in the scene with the clothes h...

Watercolor on heavy, pebbled paper, 8 7/8" by 6 1/2" (13 1/4" by 11" in simple framing), signed at lower right and dated there 1830 by the listed French artist JOSEPH FRICERO (1807-1870). The subject is a young, bearded man who appears almost as a religious figure. The drawing is heavily foxed in the field, adding to its antiquity. Some words are written in French on the reverse but the only one I can decipher is "bois" (wood). For a long time I had thought this possibly an Old Master drawin...

This is a decorative, peaceful scene of late autumn by a pond or small lake, signed at lower left "Sydney Cooper". Even though the spelling differs ("Sidney"), this could be by or after the well-known English 19th century artist THOMAS SIDNEY COOPER (1803-1902), who was known for his landscapes with farm animals. The painting is unframed and measures 22" by 15 1/2". Condition is good, with even light overall oxidation (browning) of the fairly heavy paper, and some very light water stains at t...

Page from an album. Illustration in Chinese style (chinoiserie) of a young Chinese man in white pants and blue tunic, beating a small drum or gong with a stick. His head shaved in the style of the first half of the Qing dynasty, a long very thin tail wound around the back of his head.

The shades on his clothes and face done in tiny black dots, in imitation of shading in an etching. Black ink and watercolors on Western paper. French or English. Early 19th century.

The style of this wa...

A finely done miniature portrait painting on naturalk organic material, depicting an handsome gentleman wearing a black coat, white shirt and collar, with a stickpin.

The painting is in superb condition, with no problems or restoration. It is housed in its original case of cast foliate brass with the reverse having a glazed aperture. The case and glass are also in excellent condition, though the reverse has several unimportant dents.

An incredibly charming portrait miniature brooch of a young child, painted on natural material. The subject is beautiful, wearing a coral necklace and a pale lavender gown, and with brown eyes that were so finely and realistically painted with such depth that it is almost hard to believe when seeing this gem in person.

The condition is excellent, with no issues, and the overall size is 1 3/8" by 1".

THE OLD MILL NEAR SNOWDON” by English artist Frederick W. Watts (7 October 1800 – 4 July 1870)[1][2] was an English landscape painter influenced by Constable. He has been known as "Frederic William Watts", "Frederick Waters Watts", "William Watts" or "William Frederick Watts". Life and work[edit] Dedham Vale, Suffolk There is a sparsity of information about this painter which has cast uncertainty over his parentage, training, and date of death.[3] According to the Oxford Dictionary of Na...

A well painted c1800 - 1812 miniature of a British officer. The sitter is wearing the uniform of a major general, with a red tunic, blue lapels and collar, and gold epaulettes and buttons. The miniature is signed lower left, with a somewhat indecipherable calligraphic monogram of "RM"?. Presented in a gilt metal frame with a bevelled blue glass back. Excellent condition, with an overall size of 2 1/2" by 2"

An antique, early 19th-century, circa 1804 A.D. French Napoleonic miniature portrait, finely hand-painted with a fine brush in watercolor and gouache on a natural wafer. This miniature is contemporary with the Napoleonic period and depicts young Napoleon Bonaparte as the First Consul of The French Republic.

The painting is a masterful display of the artist's exceptional skills. It features a highly intricate and realistic portrayal of Napoleon, with every detail of his face, attire, and ac...

A fascinating Oil painting of English origin circa 1820-1830s,

A detailed watercolor painting on paper, 8" by 10" (13" by 15" in interesting old faux-grain painted wood frame with gold liner), unsigned, with old handwritten title remaining affixed to backing: "Dublin Royal Hospital". The early, nineteenth century work is in excellent condition and the frame alone is unusual and interesting. Note the tiny figures, horses, and wheeled cart. The obelisk appears to be the Duke of Wellington monument, the cornerstone of which was laid in 1817; the monument w...

A charming miniature portrait, on natural organic material, of a child, signed Mercier for Mlle Hyacinthe Mercier.

The painting is in excellent condition, and is housed in its original silver and embossed tortoise shell frame. The shell portion has two unimportant splits, visible at 6 and 9 o'clock in the photo. Sight size of this little gem is 1 7/8 inches by 1 1/2 inches, while the frame size is 3 3/8 inches by 3 inches.

Mlle Hyacinth Mercier worked as a miniaturist in Paris, living at 27...

A striking and strongly limned Andrew Plimer miniature portrait of Edward Buller Hicks, of the Royal Navy. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1812, and this portrait was most likely done at that time. In a later ebonized wood frame which nicely complements the piece. Both the painting and the frame are in excellent condition with no issues. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2", and the framed size is 6 3/4" by 5 3/4".

Provenance: Elle Shushan and then to a NY collector.

Notes: 1. Edward Buller Hicks wa...

A totally charming miniature painting of a child, done in watercolor on natural material, and housed in an elaborately molded 15K gold case and surround. The cute sitter is in a white gown and posed against a cloud-filled blue sky, with foliage and a tree to the right. The reverse of the case is glazed, with a lock of hair in the aperture, and a pin so that the miniature can be worn as a brooch.

The condition of this lovely example is excellent. Sight size is 2 1/4" by 2 1/8" and the case size...

A stunning miniature portrait painting, watercolor on natural organic material, of a beautiful young girl with hazel eyes. The artist has painted the sitter with a background of clouds against a blue sky, often thought to denote that the piece was done as a mourning keepsake.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with no chips, cracks, bowing, or restoration. This little gem is housed in its original cast bronze brooch, with a mother-of-pearl backing. The sight size is 1 5/8" by 1...

A strongly painted portrait miniature of a gentleman, rendered in watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter is a good-looking chap with blue eyes and fulsome sideburns, attired in a black jacket and cravat, a white collar and ruffled shirt, and a gold chain. He is identified by engraving on the reverse of the case as J.A. Reed.

Aside from being a fine example of miniature portraiture, the cast foliate case, which tests as gold, is highly unusual in that it hinges from the bottom, allowing easy...

An unusual family grouping of three miniature portraits on organic wafers. All pieces, clearly done by the same hand (as yet unidentified), have a wonderful "feel" to them and are cleanly executed. The reverend in his black non-liturgical clothing, his wife in her black dress with white lace and cap, and their beautiful daughter, posed beside a tree and attired in a high-waisted gown with a blue ribbon and wearing a tortoiseshell comb in her hair, are set against a blue sky background. An old in...

A charming antique watercolor in monochromatic gray tones, the sheet 8 1/4" by 13 1/2", mounted to a blue-gray card 11" by 16" with hand drawn mat lines. There is no signature. A guess as to the date of execution could be anywhere from late 18th century to about 1820. There is some watermark in the paper. The drawing exhibits some of the faults that a piece of paper 200 years old might acquire.....light brownish discoloration in spots, small torn area at bottom center, small edge tear at upp...

A portrait miniature of a young and handsome man unabashedly directly facing the viewer. He is dressed in the height of fashion, wearing a black jacket, light orange cravat (which nicely matches his hair), and a white vest. Presented in a gilt cast foliate case, the reverse of which features a glazed tightly woven field of plaited hair.

Because of the convex glass, the photos unfortunately show reflections, white streaks, dots, and shadows, none of which are in the miniature. The overall...

A striking portrait miniature, on natural wafer, done by Geibel (signed along left side). Thus far we have not been able to find the artist listed in any of the main directories. The sitter is shown wearing a white stock, waistcoat, and a royal blue jacket.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with no problems at all. Please note that the darker area on the right part of the jacket is due to the difficulty of photographing the painting. In fact, because of the angle of the glass the p...

This exquisite artwork is an antique Polish Holy Icon of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, also commonly referred to as Our Lady of Częstochowa. The painting dates back to the late 18th to early 19th century and is a fine example of oil painting on a metal panel. The panel is believed to be made of iron and is finely hand-painted with great attention to detail.

The painting depicts the iconic Black Madonna of Czestochowa, who is revered as the Queen of Poland and is a significant religio...

This is a truly antique work, an oil on canvas unframed painting, 24 1/2" by 30", relined in the mid 20th century, apparently unsigned, the subject elegant ladies in a formal, upper class interior setting, the piece likely English or Northern European, possibly but I think far less likely American. The painting has seen some wear and tear in its roughly 180 years----a crudely repaired tear at upper center, some tearing at center in the lady's dress, with a 3/4" by 1/2" piece missing, another sm...

Ramsay Richard Reinagle,1775-1862, British, Returning Home, a shepherd ad his flock, watercolor on paper, signed and dated 1807, L.L. image size 20X27 inches, period gilt frame