French School, Late 19th/early 20th Century

Young Girl with Paper Dolls

Oil-on-canvas, Unsigned

Oval: 19” x 14 ¼”
Frame: 25 ½” x 20 ¾”

This charming study of a young girl intent on cutting out paper dolls is reminiscent of works by Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt and Pierre-Auguste Renoir (his earlier works). She is beautifully captured with her rosebud lips, her hair tied up in a bow, a lacy pinafore over her navy dress and stockinged legs ...

The Pensive Shepherdess

(British School, 19th Century)

Oil on canvas, Unsigned

Painting size: 30” x 20”
Frame size: 36.25” x 26.5”

This sweet genre painting of a shepherdess with her flock reflects the theme of the child-of-nature, a sensibility embraced by Victorians during the 19th century. The figure’s youth and comely face convey innocence, while her steadfast pose next to the goldenrod suggests that she is at ease in her environment.

Oil on canvas painting of pink roses in a vase, circa 1890's, signed at lower left in red by listed American artist OSCAR MILLER (1867-1921). The 17" by 14" (27" by 24" framed) painting is beautifully executed by a talented hand. Oscar Miller was born in Manhattan and died in Providence, Rhode Island in 1921. He is known for a variety of subject matter including portraits, marine scenes, genre and still life. This painting has an 8" horizontal tear in the upper portion...

Found in far northern Vermont in the course of an art buying trip some years ago, is this unframed 20" by 16" oil on canvas portrait of a man, apparently signed "Shoelman" at lower right and signed again and dated on the reverse (possibly, 1806, though, more likely, 1846, considering the style---the digit likely a "4"). I acquired the painting near Cambridge/Jeffersonville not far from the Canadian border...

An interesting Mid-Century abstract on paper, 12" by 16" inside the mat, 18 3/4" by 23" framed, unsigned. The work could well date to the 1960's, the paper thin and slightly browned. I am not clear on the type of paint used; it is not simple watercolor. Could be a mix of some sort; the gold is metallic and the darkest portions have a gloss when viewed at an angle. Final photo is from the reverse side through the paper seepage...

An interesting, folky, oil on canvas painting of a house with stone chimney set in a lush open valley, apparently set in Salinas Valley in California, signed by artist Sharon Moree Giambrocco Ebina, who wrote a long story on the back of the canvas. In that story she explains how the painting is inspired by the movie made from the John Steinbeck book "East of Eden". She also touches on the Japanese inspiration she feels, her signature incorporating the Japanese character for "valley"...

A vintage still life oil painting, unframed, 30" by 24", signed twice at lower right (one, very faint) by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). Coler was born in Ohio and studied with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase in New York City. By 1928 she had moved to Santa Monica, California and for the next two decades was a prolific painter in watercolor and oil, concentrating on portraits and still life, with some landscapes in the mix...

Oil on canvas painting of a delightful tropical landscape with verdant vegetation and towering royal palms, 24" by 36" (28 1/2" by 40 1/2" as nicely framed), signed at lower right by artist J. GARCIA and dated there 2001. The colors and composition are strongly in the style of the important artist from Cuba, Domingo Ramos, who created such landscapes in the 1920's and 1930's. I am unable to locate any information on this artist despite an intensive search...

An American circa late 1960's to about 1970 still life painting in oil on rough side of the Masonite, 18" by 14" (24" by 19 1/2" framed), signed at lower left possibly "Pardoe". The red poppies are beautifully rendered and the richness of the red contrasts with the deep blue of the vase. Condition is excellent. A very decorative painting, in a frame of the period.

Impressionist seascape oil painting on canvasboard, 12" by 16" (16 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed) signed at lower right by Colorado artist ALFRED JAMES WANDS (1904-1998). On the reverse in pencil is written "Artist---Alfred Wands/2065 Ivanhoe St./Denver 7 Colo./Breaking Sea/$50.00". The work likely dates to the 1950's. Wands was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended the Cleveland Art Institute, then went to Europe for studies in Brussels and Munich...

An impressionist oil on canvas painting of an old late 19th century American church in a western city, as snowcapped mountains loom at right, signed at lower right corner "Crossen '75". This might be by a listed artist, Michigan-born Preston McCrossen (1894-1981), who worked in New Mexico. amd California. I have googled brick churches in western cities to try to identify the subject...

Acrylic on canvas contemporary painting of palms, depicted in yellow, pinkish-red and greenish-blue against an electric blue background, 18" by 24", unframed, signed at lower right by the artist, Shannon Casey. This is a nicely decorative, breezy work that will surely add a touch of the tropics to your interior. There are a very few minor spots of soiling or abrasion that hardly detract from the overall effect.

Oil on masonite panel painting of a Texas landscape with oaks and bluebonnet in the spring, 16" by 20", unframed, signed at lower left by artist Nancy McDonald. According to the daughter of the artist, Nancy's paintings were sold in the San Antonio area. She belonged to the River Art Group for many years. McDonald passed away in 2011. The painting is attractive and squarely within the "Bluebonnet School" tradition of Texas art...

Oil on canvas painting of pinkish flowers in a clay pot against a blue drape, unsigned, circa 1950's/early 1960's, 20" by 16" (22" by 18" in simple wood frame). The work was found in Virginia. Obviously by a trained artist. Note the shadows cast at left---well handled. Condition is excellent. There is a very small disturbed area on frame at top.

Oil on canvas painting (29 1/2" by 23", and 34" by 27 1/2" framed) of hunted ducks suspended from a nail, and two other colorful, deceased birds arrayed outside a window on a weathered Mediterranean wall, a mischievous cat emerging from that window at lower left to do what cats do...

A beautifully painted impressionist view of the charming Filipino countryside, " by ", unframed, signed at lower right "T. I. SANCHEZ Manila", and dated there 1963. The unframed oil on canvas is in excellent overall condition. I note a slight dimple/depression at left which is visible when viewed in raking light (see photo). A light cleaning would be beneficial. Sanchez does not appear to be a listed artist but was certainly a talent, in the tradition of the great Fernando Amorsolo. See oth...

Oil on canvas painting of a young woman seen in 3/4 view, signed at upper left (incised) Dan A Griggs and dated there '90. The work measures 10 1/2" by 8" (16" by 14" framed). I opened the backing to see if there was any more information on the talented artist but was stymied by the foamboard being partially affixed to the canvas. The framer's stamp, very faint, is from Alamagordo in southern New Mexico. Note the beautiful, skilled handling of the light, the composition, and paint. Though c...

Small oil on canvas laid on board painting of a man in traditional outfit with distinctive hat. The mid 20th century work is signed illegibly at lower left corner. This would appear to be from Ecuador, or if not there, another Andean nation such as Peru or Bolivia. Measurements are 4" by 3 1/2" (7 1/2" by 7 1/4" as framed, with blue velvet liner). An interesting addition to a small wall or nook.

An oil on panel painting of a red covered bridge in a mountain landscape, a village at left center, 13" by 19 1/2" (16" by 22" framed), signed at lower right by artist Ed Mifflin. I do not see a listing for this name. The scene likely shows Vermont or Maine; possibly there are covered bridges in hilly southern Ohio that might fit. In any event the circa 1960 work is very poetic. The black panel on which this is painted was not meant for art use, leading one to suspect that the artist was a t...

Oil on canvas laid in recent times on wood panel, 19 3/4" by 15 3/4", unframed, the subject three Roman women watching from an exposed cliffside residence as they search the sea below for the ships of loved ones returning home. This is after an 1895 work by well-known, important, English Victorian artist LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA (1836-1912), titled "A Coign of Vantage". This is not painted as finely as the original, to be sure, but the artist was moderately skilled. There is stable craquelure. T...

An oil on canvas painting promoting a South Asian or Indian movie, titled "Sangeeta". The work measures 35 1/2" by 25 1/4" in a simple black frame. It is a bit loose on the stretcher but otherwise is in good condition. Major star's name is Nigar Shyam, and there is writing in Arabic which I would imagine place this in the northern or western part of the country.

A large oil on canvas, 49 1/2" by 32 1/2" in thin gold frame, unsigned, titled lower right "SAN GABRIEL", painted circa 1980's, in the so-called "Cuzco School" style of South America. According to the Wikipedia description of the School, Cuzco (Cusco) was considered the first artistic center that systematically taught European artistic techniques in the Americas. The conquering Spanish, wanting to convert the Incas to Christianity, produced impressive, complex Christian religious imagery, fro...

Brooks Pettus (1918-2003) was a noted western American artist who passed away in Kennewick, Washington, leaving behind a large body of work in watercolor and oil that only recently appeared on the market. Pettus earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico, and spent time in Albuquerque and Taos in the early 1940's. New Mexico's artistically inspiring landscape stimulated Pettus' aesthetic sense as it has for countless others. Even though he became a professional engineer, mo...

**FIFTEEN** original gouache drawings on commercial art board, varying sizes, the largest 15" by 20", the smallest 10" by 13 3/4", mostly unsigned but several stamped on reverse with name and address in Van Nuys, California of noted Disney studios illustrator in the 1950's and 1960's, FRANS VAN LAMSWEERDE (1924-1969). These works all feature Holy Land subject matter; acquired at the same time, they evidently were together for many years since the artist's death at a young age. Medium used is g...

An oil on canvas painting of white flowers in a glass vase on a table top, two small porcelain vessels nearby, the work signed at lower right by artist Minerva Smithers. On the stretcher in pencil is written "Matilija Poppy" and then the artist again wrote her name in longhand. A google search shows a Minerva Smithers born in 1877 in Wisconsin, the woman's residence given in the 1940 census as Hawthorne, in Southern California (very near where this was found). The work measures 18" by 14" (20...

A painting on canvas, 10" by 14" (11" by 15" in simple modern frame), featuring a New England homestead, likely Connecticut, complete with split rail fence and stone wall, signed at lower right and dated there 1892 by Wisconsin-born artist GEORGE SELDEN ROORBACH (1860-1930). The artist was in the Northeast in the 1890's, living with his young bride in the vicinity of Mystic, Connecticut, and also instructing in art in New York City. He exhibited at the National Academy of Design in 1891. At ...

An oil on canvas laid on Masonite painting of a young brunette woman, the view from the breasts up, against a neutral dark background, signed in red illegibly at top left corner. The piece measures 17 1/2" by 12 3/4" (24 1/2" by 19 1/2" framed). More than likely the artist is French, judging from the overall style, signature, and the stenciled numbers "1208" on the frame. The artist is probably listed, but my efforts to decipher this signature have been unsuccessful. Date of execution is pro...

Oil on canvas painting, 25" by 34 1/2", unframed, unsigned, after the French impressionist masters Renoir and Monet, who often painted on the Mediterranean in the late 19th century. This is a contemporary work by an anonymous artist. Colors are beautifully handled, as is the golden light. There is a 2" long generally horizontal small tear in the blue of the sea at left center, easily patched by a professional restorer, though (and I generally don't recommend it) it could be pretty much hidden...

An old and antique American painting of a seated young man playing a flute in a vaguely defined interior, 24" by 20" (32 1/2" by 28" in mid 20th century frame), unsigned. The talented artist remains anonymous but was obviously talented and probably listed. Note the mantel clock at left and elegant European-style table and chair. Over the years the painting has darkened dramatically, taking on a yellow-brown cast due to decades of grime and smoke. A test cleaning by a restorer shows the whit...

A very interesting and unusual painting, appearing to be gouache on a prepared gessoed panel (and the piece is accordingly quite heavy for its size), featuring Native American indian dancers and onlookers in the Southwest, likely Navajos of New Mexico or northeastern Arizona. The 22 1/2" by 27" unframed work is signed at lower right "Arline Wyrick". A quick google search did not reveal any obvious links to a known artist, but she was obviously quite skilled, and this bears further research. T...

This is a very old antique traditional still life of fruits, garlic, and a sliced melon, oil on old coarse weave canvas, laid on Masonite, 22" by 34 1/2" (25 1/2" by 38" in attractive old framing), apparently unsigned. The painting is of the very old traditional style of old master works of its kind. It would make for a fine accent piece in dining room or extended pantry or kitchen. There is a narrow scrape in the paint at upper left, appearing as a fine light line roughly 7" in length, other...

Oil on canvas painting of a man's smoking pipe and other objects on a tabletop, 13" by 15", 16 1/2" by 18 1/2" in mid 20th century gold frame, signed at upper right by artist Cora (Cara?) L. Sloper and dated there 1899. This is a competently painted work, but I am unable to locate an artist by this name despite an intensive internet search. The name appears to be common in the upper Midwest, but this painting was purchased in Massachusetts, near Cape Cod. Condition is very good for a work ove...

A PAIR of oil on canvasboard paintings, each 20" by 24", signed at lower right by the same artist, "McKee", the subjects a rural farm in autumn, the other an eerily empty Hopperesque old house. These were found in Southern California and the scenes may well be Californian. There are a number of artists by the name McKee so it is difficult to determine who may have created these. Both are in need of varnish, and the house painting has a small spot of missing paint in the sky at left, as well...

A circa 1900 oil on canvas painting of roses against a simple dark background, 12 1/2" by 18", and 20" by 24 1/2" in likely original bright gold frame. There does not appear to be a signature. Roses were a popular subject of painters during that period, with many young ladies especially encouraged to take up painting. The American painter George Cochran Lambdin often used dark or black backgrounds for his floral still life works. This painting is in generally good vintage condition, with a v...

An oil on canvas painting of the symmetrical snow-capped cone of Mt. Fujiyama in Japan, hardy palms in the foreground, signed at lower right by Japanese artist "T. Arashi" (signed in English and Japanese characters), no date, circa 1980. The artist was very talented and has created a beautiful and arresting composition. The mystical, famous mountain stands in all its glory above the surrounding landscape. Condition is excellent. I have not been able to locate information on the artist. Meas...

A vintage impressionist oil on board painting with modernist touches, unsigned, 20" by 16". The work is probably by a listed artist but alas there is no signature. The almost Cubistic handling of the cloth and rear drape and the foreshortened space are most interesting. The work probably dates to about the 1940's. Unframed, and with some small faults common to older paintings, including light soiling, a few minor losses, edge losses etc.

An old oil on canvas painting of a swift-running river in a steep mountain canyon landscape in the fall, 24 1/2" by 20" (32 1/2" by 27 1/2" in circa 1920's pie crust style frame, unsigned on front, with "Herman Herzog/Storm at Yosemite" written on the back of the canvas in an old style hand (difficult to photograph, I have provided two images). The painting is offered as a late 19th century/turn of the century oil but without a signature or provenance it will be difficult to do more than attrib...

Oil on canvas American painting of a clipper foundering in a storm, 20" by 27" (22 1/2" by 29 1/2" in a nice old gold period frame), unsigned, circa 1870's. The work strongly resembles that of American marine artist CLEMENT DREW (1806-1889) but is unsigned. The painting is in poor condition currently. It appears to have had a reline decades ago, and likely overpainting. Now there is craquelure throughout, flaking paint and other issues. It could well be a work by Drew but its being unsigned...

A decorative impressionist landscape painting of autumnal trees in an intimate space, perhaps a shallow arroyo, oil on canvasboard, 18" by 14" (25" by 21" framed), signed at lower left by artist Alison Lowe. It is framed in gold frame with clean liner and all in all is a solid decorative picture for moderate cost.

Oil on canvasboard painting of a woman with basket on head in tropical town street, 12" by 16", 17" by 21" framed, signed at lower right Paul Katzman. The FRAME is most interesting, with a geometric cross-hatching pattern that would complement a Southwest themed painting.

A contemporary, unsigned oil on canvasboard work, 9" by 12" (12 1/2" by 15 1/2" in simple black frame), the subject small boats at a dock, one likely a fishing boat. The work was likely painted rather rapidly by an artist of talent. It is clean and ready for the wall.

A late 20th century acrylic on canvas painting of an old New England mill by the mill pond in winter snow, 12" by 36" (15 1/4" by 39" framed), signed at lower right by recognized contemporary Rhode Island-based artist GERALD A. ROBILLARD. The peaceful work captures beautifully the peace of a mid winter New England day while the snow falls. One can almost hear the roar of the falls at right, typical of a mill pond. In olden days the water power would have powered the mill, possibly where texti...

A charming oil on canvas painting of central Paris by the Seine, a number of tiny figures enjoying their walks along the river with its barges. The artist signed at lower right "L Florguin" and dated the work 1953. Very surprisingly I see only scant information under this name. However the artist was obviously very familiar with the French naive school painters who flourished in the immediate post-war years. Measurements are 18" by 13" on the stretchers and 23 1/2" by 18 1/2" in "distressed"...

Early landscape painting of a likely imaginary, idealized, pyramidal mountain peak of California, (doesn't really resemble Mt. Shasta, but I suppose it could be), 20" by 16" on the stretchers, painted on canvas, 25 3/4" by 21 3/4" in a fine old gold 19th century frame, signed at lower right by artist "C. A. Simpson" and dated there 1886. The painting is firmly in the luminous tradition of some of the eastern Hudson River artists, with a pinkish glow suffusing the sky. Note the tipis at left lo...

Oil on canvas painting with great luminosity, the subject small craft pulled up on foreground beach, with a view to distant ships offshore a city, signed at lower left corner and dated 1876 by well listed Danish painter NORDAHL GROVE (1822-1885). The work measures 17 1/2" by 26" (23 1/2" by 32" framed). The luminous handling and colors reminds of works by northeastern American artists of the late 19th century. Grove, the son of a distinguished Danish naval officer, studied at the Royal Danish...

An American oil on panel painting, unsigned, likely circa 1920, unframed, featuring a landscape including a lake, some distant low mountains, and yellowing foliage in foreground suggesting autumn as the season. The piece measures 14" by 22". Surface is dirty---could really use a cleaning/varnish---and there is paint chipping along left, top, and bottom edges, as well as a small loss at left center in the foliage. Needs some TLC but the essentials are all there. On reverse is written "(May?) ...

A most unusual painting on wood panel, 24" by 30", unframed, featuring some gritty, tough-looking downtown Los Angeles men in a claustrophobic, vertiginous streetscape of old hotel buildings. The Hotel Rosslyn and annex were built in 1914 and 1923, respectively, and were fashionable places to stay, in their day, at Fifth and Main in old downtown. The medium used is likely casein or other non-oil, water-based paint. The painting takes from older Social Realist painting and murals of the early ...

Oil on canvas painting of a farmer by a water pump in an open field, two dray horses at center and left slaking their thirst. The work measures 11" by 12" and 15 1/2" by 16 1/2" in frame that may well be the original. The painting is signed faintly yet distinctly at lower left corner "S.S.C.", which is one of the known signatures of American artist SAMUEL SIMPSON CARR (1837-1908). Other known signatures include "S.S. CARR" and "S. CARR". Carr was born in England and for a time studied at the ...

Oil on canvas painting of white and pink roses in a blue bowl, signed at lower right "Strachan". The work, measuring 18" by 24" and 23" by 28 1/2" in likely original frame, has tiny losses in background and lower left area. The frame also has light wear, and losses on back of left edge. Overall, a very shabby chic piece in feeling. There is an old Los Angeles framer's sticker on reverse backing.

Oil on canvasboard painting of a dirt road through a pine woodland, signed at lower right by artist ADDIE SYLVESTER. On the reverse side it is titled "Deep in the Heart of Texas", signed again and dated 1950. I do not see information on the artist. Curiously there was a woman by that name who passed away in 1989 in Manhattan, Kansas area; on the backing paper, most of a label is missing, but the remaining letters of what would be the town in the address are "MAN...". There may or may not be ...

A typically colorful painting from Haiti, featuring female figures carrying loads of fruit on baskets balanced on their heads, against a mysterious deep green background landscape. The painting is signed at lower right "Xavier B./Haiti/2000". Measurements are 25" by 21" as framed in white wood. Canvas is slightly rippled, there are a few hairline crack marks in the legs of several figures, but nothing that is bothersome at normal viewing distance. Canvas is of an inexpensive type often used ...

A most interesting circa 1960's work featuring a group of older, mostly one story buildings in a town, those buildings apparently of stone, judging from the earthy colors. A dark blue sky elegantly sets off the earth tones, making for an interesting play of light and color. Brush strokes are vigorous and sure. The painting is oil on canvasboard, measuring 9" by 13" (12 3/4" by 16 1/2" framed), signed with initials that could be "CB" at lower right. On the reverse is written "Bloom" but this ...

A very pretty contemporary oil on canvas landscape of trees, a cluster of pink flowers in the left foreground, signed at lower right by California Art Club associate member DULCIE ADAMS. Biographical information seems to be lacking on this obviously talented artist. The work measures 18" by 24" (26 1/2" by 32" nicely framed). Painting is in excellent condition; linen liner has a small stain that could probably be removed.

A striking, traditional, antique, oil on old oak panel painting, with even an Old Master feel, the painting itself 13 1/4" by 15 3/4" (34.3 cm. by 41.3 cm), the scene a landscape dominated by a placid large white dray-type horse (painted with extraordinary sensitivity and skill), a goat at left foreground, and resting cattle in the distance, the remainder of the composition dominated by a sky filled with beautiful clouds, and classic willow trees at right. The painting is indistinctly signed at...

Oil on wood panel painting of a Dutch city scene, painted in the 19th century style of artists such as Cornelius Springer, the work 16" by 20" (24" by 28" as nicely framed), signed at lower left "Shone". The work is contemporary though the artist was obviously familiar with the meticulous style of the earlier artists. Painting and frame are in excellent condition.

Oil on canvasboard painting of gulls flying above the waves, the stern of a boat at left, 12" by 16", (17" by 21 1/2" framed), signed in ink on reverse ("Painted by Edith Fite"/XXX Magee 1951"). The scene reminds of how hungry gulls loyally follow the back end of a fishing boat. I have not located information on the artist. The painting could well benefit from a cleaning after about 70 years.

A nicely painted oil on canvas still life of flowers in a Chinese vase or pot, balancing between trompe l'oeil realism and impressionism, signed at lower left by artist ELIZABETH CAMPBELL. This is a contemporary work, likely less than thirty years old, measuring 28" by 22" (33 1/2" by 27 1/2" framed). There is a listing by this name but I do not believe it to be the same artist. Condition is excellent save for a small scuff at upper left.

Oil on board painting of a sunny street scene in southern Italy, a central figure walking towards the viewer and others going about their business including washing clothes. The painting, signed at lower left "Pasini", measures 17 1/2" by 11 1/2" (21 1/2" by 15 1/2" in attractive old gold framing). The work likely dates to about 1900 or 1910. There is a light accumulated soiling and yellowed varnish that would make a cleaning well worth the investment. Pasini was known for his genre and land...

A well executed oil on wood panel still life of yellow roses, green grapes, goblets, glasses, decanter and candle stick on a table cloth, signed illegibly at lower right (appears as "Hans Meh...." or similar), circa 1890. The work measures 21 1/2" by 28" and the panel is 1/2" in thickness. The signature certainly appears to be European. I have tried and tried again to make it out but have not succeeded. It might well be German, or even Hungarian I am thinking, there being a strong tradition ...

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...