A colorful and compelling Orientalist watercolor on paper painting of a man of North Africa or the Middle East in traditional garb, signed lower right E. L. S., (the "L" larger than the other letters), measuring 12 1/2" by 10" (32 cm. by 25 cm.) and 20" by 13 3/4" in modern day simple framing. On the reverse side is a study, in pencil, of feet. There are no watermarks in the paper. This is by an obviously talented artist but without further information I cannot tie it to a listed name...

A PAIR of contemporary unframed 8" by 10" oil on canvas paintings of whitewashed buildings and blue seas, as one would see in Santorini or another of the famous Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea, one work signed lower right "Billis". These were likely souvenirs of a great vacation, brought home by tourists wanting some imagery to remind them of the spectacular Greek Islands. I have removed the frames, which were damaged and useless...

A PAIR of oil on canvas paintings, one featuring a large sprig of small white flowers and leaves, the other larger one a vessel on a table filled with and surrounded by violets. Both are signed at lower right in red "L. F. Haftzger", and the larger one has "1899" written on the reverse side of the canvas. Measurements are 12" by 17" (18" by 22 1/4" in dark stained oak frame), the other 8" by 15 1/2" (12 3/4" by 20 1/2" framed). I do not see a listing for an artist of this name...

A circa late twentieth century oil on board painting of steep desert mountains behind a lush golf course with palms, likely in the Coachella Valley of Southern California (Palm Springs and environs), 16" by 20", unframed and unsigned. The work is by a talented hand, though likely still an amateur hand. There are a few light surface abrasions and a small loss area in the sky as seen in the photos...

A printed Marriage Blessing, with adjacent watercolor painting of flowers at left and a waterfall with bridge (resembles Multnomah Falls, Oregon) at right...

A nineteenth century painting in the style of Italian Old Master artist Francesco Guardi (1712-1793), measuring 29 1/2" by 23 1/2" (37" by 31" framed), the subject foreground gondolas in the lagoon opening out to the sea beyond, a classic bridge and architecture framing the gondoliers. The great Italian master Guardi was often copied over the centuries. His flickering brush and distinctive silvery light and subtle color have been long imitated but never equaled...

An interesting abstract painting dating to about 1960, created by a German artist, Max Hansen (1898-). The work, oil and perhaps another substance mixed in, applied on canvas laid on panel, measures 25" by 13 1/2" and 30 1/2" by 19 1/2" in the original gray framing. This was acquired from a local family of German heritage, who stated that it was brought to Southern California from Germany more than 50 years ago. Family stated that the artist was "Uncle Max"----Max Hansen, born in 1898...

An interesting Southwestern painting of a sunny courtyard in a Spanish-style building (church or mission) of the American Southwest---likely California, or Mexico---glimpsed through a grand old doorway, signed at lower right by artist Laurence McLaughlin. The 18" by 24" painting (26" by 31 1/2" framed) is not old (maybe 1970's or 1980's) but the traditional subject and technique could make it pass for an older work. Surprisingly I have not been able to locate a listed artist by this name...

This small work is a gem of the naive and primitive school of Central America. Measuring 12 3/4" by 11 1/2" as framed, the painting is signed at lower left by the artist, MARVIN KELLY (GARCIA) and is dated there 1991. On the reverse is an affixed paper label of Galeria Josefina in Managua, Nicaragua, giving the title as "Laguna de Masaya"...

Circa 1880 American Victorian Eastlake style wood frame with gold fillet, the entire frame 15 3/4" by 17 3/4", the rabbet 10" by 12". The wood used is walnut, I believe. There are a few flaws, as shown, but the frame is sound overall and awaits your favorite 19th century print or drawing. Presently the frame houses a black and white photo of a popular gelateria of mid 20th century Rome, near the Piazza Navona...

Often confused with artist Lawrence NELSON Wilbur (both auction records and biography almost hopelessly intermingled), this is an oil on canvas impressionist still life painting by the illustrator, Lawrence Wilbur (1897-1960). This listed artist was active in the New York City and Northern New Jersey area at mid century as an illustrator, landscapist, and portraitist...

Print 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. He was prolific. The inscrutable signature has I believe hindered his receiving wider recog...

Nineteenth century lithograph print issued by Sarony Major & Knapp, lithographers, 449 Broadway, New York, after a painting by Stanley. The print measures 6" by 9" inside the mat and 10 3/4" by 14" in gold frame.

A watercolor of the year 2006, signed "Rogers", featuring a close-up architectural view of the upper part of a church or cathedral. The spires and domes kind of resemble a famous church in Venice, Italy, though the scene could be almost anywhere in southern Europe or Latin America. The unframed work measures 6 5/8" by 11 1/2" inside the dark blue over-mat. That mat has a little wear but could be retained if you just want to frame over it for a smaller opening.

From one collection, EIGHT framed watercolor drawings (****NOT PRINTS****) of flowering botanical specimens, with their respective Latin classification names written in brown ink, generally at lower left. The works are on an exceedingly delicate tissue-like paper, which is then affixed at edges to a card, causing a puckering effect of the paper. There is another original drawing on the reverse side of one of the works (not pictured). I have opened all eight in search of a signature of the art...

Lithograph print "The Tyresmith", 1890, featuring a Chelsea (London) wheelwright's shop, by JAMES ABBOTT McNEIL WHISTLER (1834-1903). Forges and smithies are said to have been a lifelong favorite subject of Whistler. My research online suggests that this example is one of the 500 to 1000 examples printed from a transfer stone, to be published in The Whirlwind 2, no. 20, issue of November 15, 1890. It is printed on wove paper and has been laid down to a board so it has not been possible to sea...

Drawing (charcoal) of Donald Duck, signed "Roy", and with "HI HENRY" at top, the work, the sheet 9 3/4" by 6", presently simply framed for protection only. The drawing is by ROY WILLIAMS (1907-1976, who was inducted as a "Disney legend" posthumously in 1992. He was a Disney animator, who worked as director, producer, storyboard and layout artist. Significantly, he was also a Disney entertainer, perhaps best known as "Big Roy" the adult Mouseketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club tv series. The vigo...

Watercolor painting of a mountain landscape in autumn, signed at lower left with what appears as "F. Renaud". A brook or stream occupies the right center. This is a nicely painted work, 4 5/8" by 6 1/2" inside the mat, 8 3/4" by 10 3/4" simply framed. The watercolor probably dates to the 1960's or 1970's. Photos were taken with the present cloudy non-glare glass removed. I suggest discarding it permanently in favor of regular glass. Ready to hang on the wall as-is, though.

This one is certainly a challenge to describe----but I will give it a go. A mixed media (watercolor, gouache, pastel and gold metallic paint mix) painting, the subject a fantastic, surreal, dream-like scene including a supine male figure with ants on his chest, leopard-like creature, moth, skulls, green, opportunistic poisonous-looking tropical style snake emerging from a woman's body, and bat hanging upside down! The piece is an impressive size at 29 1/2" by 22" (34 1/2" by 27" framed). The...

A nicely painted landscape of willowy pine trees along a large peaceful lake on a fair weather day, 18" by 20" oil on canvas (24 1/4" by 26 3/4" in original silvery frame with Art Deco flavor) by artist JACOB HORAK. The work does not appear to be signed but there are two remaining old labels on the frame, one showing that this work, titled "Moment of Solitude", was exhibited in 1938 at the Twentieth Annual Exhibition of the Work of Toledo Artists; and another, from 1940, showing it was exhibite...

A PAIR of elegant paintings on panels, oil and gold leaf on board with some possibly chalky gouache in the white horses, each 11 1/2" by 15 1/2", (framed however in different frames, one gold, 18" by 22", the other black, 19" by 23"), the subjects rather mural-like, one unsigned, the other signed at lower right, by the notable American intra-war artist and illustrator PORTER WOODRUFF (1894-1959). The pair is from the collection of deceased (2007) Princeton University Associate Professor of Art ...

Circa 1950's European oil painting of purple and white lilac in a vase, signed at lower right by artist "A. Teder" (likely German or Scandinavian). The painting is in good condition, with just old slightly discolored varnish and a tiny loss or two at left. I have looked in vain for a listing for this talented mid century painter. The frame is in good condition but the liner is shredded and missing. You will want to either replace the liner or reframe entirely. Measurements 19 1/2" by 24" (2...

A highly decorative late 20th century painting after the Dutch 17th through 19th century classic winter landscapes, 33" by 36 1/2" as framed, signed at lower right by artist W. Reynolds. The work is clean and in very nice condition overall. There is some slight crazing at left in the sky, just enough to increase the impression of this being an old painting, and the frame has some light wear that can be touched up. If you are seeking a good-sized work, to complement a traditional interior, but...

Original finely detailed gouache and watercolor on board painting (no glass) of two warring ships, the 38-gun frigate HMS Macedonian of the Royal Navy, and the 44-gun better protected USS United States, as they appeared in the epic battle of October 25, 1812. The Macedonian surrendered to the Americans, making her the second warship to surrender to the US during that war. The painting, signed at lower right by artist Gordon Bracher and dated 1965, might be after a Thomas Birch painting. Compa...

Pair of small watercolors, one 3 1/2" by 6", the other similar at 4" by 5 3/4", each signed in a corner with monogram, one depicting industrial smoke stacks by a river at sunset, the other a pleasant promenade at river side with decorative lamp posts and arched bridge. The industrial work suggests London; the other could perhaps be Paris. Or both could be the same city. More research could help determine the identity of the artist. Condition is excellent. Presently these are framed together...

A modernist line drawing of a man in thin marker or ink, unsigned, the artist unknown, detail of the face especially indicative of the skill of the artist. The work probably dates to about 1970. Size 7 1/2" by 4" inside the mat, and 10 1/4" by 6 3/4" in silvery wood frame. Condition is excellent. Word "Al" written in pencil on reverse side. There are reflections in the images.

A charming work in watercolor with white gouache highlights, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (19" by 16" framed), featuring a young woman in the hugely popular Gibson tradition of the early years of the century, viewing her image in a hand-held decorative Art Nouveau mirror as she applies her lipstick. The work is signed at left "L. B. Hill" and dated 1910. Gibson had many imitators of his illustration style, some very talented and some less talented. This piece would be ideal in a woman's dressing area. ...

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. There is a 2 1/2" diagonal crack in the paper/board at extreme lower right corner, the crack extending through the en...

An impressive 17 3/4" by 31 1/2" painting titled "Mount Cook Tasman Valley" (24 3/4" by 38 3/4" as framed), signed at lower right by the noted New Zealand landscape painter ASTON GREATHEAD (1921-2012). This South Island landscape is part of an impressive body of work the artist produced beginning roughly in the mid 1960's. Born in Napier on the North Island, Greathead showed early talent. Self-taught, he entertained his fellow soldiers with sketches while in European war theaters in World War...

Fine watercolor and ink drawing of a dramatic landscape in Carinthia, which is the southernmost part of Austria, the drawing measuring 9 1/2" by 14". The old paper is laid down on 20th century paper, which is in turn glued down to cardboard, and a modern day frame is available at no extra cost. I do not see a signature, but on the backing is written the word "Longinotti" (could be meaningless, as in a former owner) and there is also an old label with name "Ludovici Martens" and title "Bridge i...

A highly decorative and good-sized painting on canvas of a vintage motorcycle, painted in a Pop Art style. The work is unsigned and probably dates to the past twenty years. It was painted by a competent artist with training. Unframed, the work measures 30" by 30". Will add an interesting twist to your contemporary interior. Very clean and wall-ready.

A pair of old prints in color---I believe, some sort of lithography process similar to chromolithography in feeling, one featuring the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, the other the Second Empire "Pont au Change" bridge connecting the Ile de la Cite to the Rive Droite. The current bridge was rebuilt between 1856 and 1860 and therefore bears the letter N, the imperial insignia of Napoleon III. It is composed of three 31 meter long arches and is 30 meters wide. The frames are not attractive and a...

Large vintage watercolor and gouache painting of colorful flowers in a vase guarded on either side by startling white peacocks, 19" by 34 1/2" (26" by 41 1/2" framed), signed at lower left center with initials "VEJ". The work has some age but is not antique. Condition is excellent. A very decorative piece for your interior.

A PAIR of pastel on paper drawings, each measuring 18" by 24", though they are currently in different frames, one 32" by 38", the other 27" by 32 1/2", the optical illusion making one appear larger than the other. Both works are signed with initials "CA" at bottom right. I confirmed with a Swiss auction house that they are not by Swiss artist Cuno Amiet, therefore they are offered as-is, unattributed. Most likely, they are of American origin. The artist has shown an excellent skill handling ...

A very finished, beautifully executed pastel of a middle-aged lady, she nicely coiffed and elegant in appearance, the work signed at lower right "CARLES". I have researched the work, (including contacting an acknowledged expert on well-known Pennsylvania artist Arthur Carles Jr. 1882-1952) and she does not feel it has the characteristics to enable it to be called the work of that noted American painter. It is offered as a nicely executed portrait drawing. Measurements are 6" by 5" (17 1/2" by...

A most unusual item and conversation piece: a color print, 26" by 22" as framed, the subject a decorated Christmas tree, titled at top "Joy to the World", "Arnold & Maria" at bottom center, numbered 31/100 examples at lower left margin, and pencil signed at lower right, by none other than one of the most famous people on the planet, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Information I developed online indicates that Schwarzenegger himself was the artist, and not just someone signing his name to someone els...