Etching titled in pencil by the artist "Stairway, San Gabriel Mission", late 1920's or 1930's, signed in the plate lower left by listed California artist WILLIAM A. ESKEY (1891-1937), 12 1/2" by 7 3/4" as framed in vintage wood. The scene is an iconic one, often captured by artists enamored of the charm and romance of California's early days. Eskey was born in West Virginia and served in the military in France...

Oil on board painting of the famous Matterhorn in Switzerland, two small wooden structures in the foreground and elegant trees at left completing the composition. The work is signed at lower right "M M Cole" and is dated there 1981. On the reverse of the frame is written "Miriam '81", so, we likely have an American woman as the artist. Measurements are 18" by 22" and 21 1/2" by 25 1/2" as framed...

An original drawing on paper of couples sitting at tables in a formal garden patio setting, attended to by a waiter, signed at lower left margin by the well-listed California artist CLARK HOBART (1868-1948). The sheet, unframed and currently in a protective plastic sleeve, measures 10" by 8 1/2". Hobart was born in Rockford, Illinois. He was in California as a child, then studied at the San Francisco School of Design under Stanton and Giuseppe Cadenasso and also privately with William Keith...

A watercolor painting of a tall pagoda, 20 1/2" by 11" (24 3/4" by 15" framed), signed at lower right by artist JI WON CHANG and dated 1968. This being a common Chinese name, it is difficult to tie this work to a particular artist, and there are no apparent auction records under this name. Nevertheless we see a competently created work, in a difficult to master medium; consider the complex fleshing-out of the tower's detail...

Nicely executed little watercolor of a woman in her nineteenth century finery, 11" by 7 3/4" as newly framed behind quality Tru Vue glass, unsigned. Her dress looks like circa 1860 but I do not know for sure that this would have been painted then. It would make for a pleasing addition to a woman's bedroom or sitting area.

An impressionistic watercolor painting of trees on the bank of a small lake or pond, signed at lower right by artist "M. MASAHIRO". The vintage work is very faintly painted, almost in the manner of artist Yamada Baske. The tree trunks are the most distinct features, while much of the rest of the scene is filmy, gauzy, ephemeral, foggy. An impressive little work (6 1/2" by 13", 11 3/4" by 18" in metal frame). Allow for reflections in some images...

This is an interesting example of a monotype, in which art is created on a piece of glass which is then pressed against paper to produce a unique image. The artist is well listed and his paintings sell well at Canadian auctions. At first glance, this work could easily pass for a watercolor; a monotype is something of a hybrid, with characteristics of prints and original art. It measures 17 3/8" by 13 1/2" inside the mat; with an additional 5 1/4" of mat and frame on a side...

Oil on canvas, 24" by 36" (28 1/2" by 42" as framed), unsigned, showing a Victorian/Gothic type castle ruin by a river, by moonlight. ***UNFORTUNATELY THE PAINTING HAS BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED IN SHIPPING (vertical rip clear through---started with a pre-existing three inch tear which weakened the canvas and made it vulnerable to further damage), so, will need major restoration. Call or email me for more details...

A fine old wood engraving dating to the sixteenth century, the title apparently "Saint Paul Giving a Letter to a Messenger" according to handwritten notes on the backing, which also relate that this is from the Biblia series. The artist HANS BROSAMER (circa 1506-1554) was born at Fulda in central Germany. He became known for his fine oil portraits, but also for his wood engravings and copper engravings, many produced for various editions of Luther's German Bible...

Oil on canvasboard painting of the famous Place du Tertre view of Sacre Coeur church in Paris' Montmartre district, measuring 20" by 16" (24" by 19 3/4" framed). Although the work is stamped "All Reproduction Rights Are Reserved By The Artist", there does not appear to be a signature. On a piece of old tape affixed to the back is the name "J Bush 9/20" but I suspect this may be unrelated to the artist...

A PAIR of unframed oil on canvas works, one a scene of coastal cliffs and waves, 12" by 12", the other featuring a small lake or pond, 11" by 14" (both unframed). They are each signed by the artist, one M. Mahmoudi. I have not located information on the obviously talented artist, who is likely Californian; found in Los Angeles. Condition is excellent. What appear as white speckles in some images are reflections off the varnish and canvas weave.

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a late autumn landscape, complete with flaming trees and distant hillside across a lake, 9 1/2" by 13" (13"by 17" in old likely original frame),signed at lower right by American artist Isabel Scott. The painting likely dates to the years before 1950---possibly to the 1930's I am thinking. Condition is excellent. I do not see biographical information on any artist that would correspond to this name...

Banksy is world-renowned for graffiti art with political themes and dark humor...

Oil on canvas painting of an elegantly dressed lady on a terrace or balcony, a Parisian-style table and chairs with champagne bottle at left, 36" by 18, unsigned and unframed. This Matisse-inspired work was likely painted circa 1970's by a talented amateur artist. The violets, blues and white make for a harmonious color balance and the light is suffused rather than intense and sharp. The painting is slightly soiled and dull consistent with its age but is otherwise ready for display; a frame w...

An old unframed watercolor of an Asiatic-looking man in traditional clothing, with pencil writing in Russian at right including the date 19.II.1920. A Russian-speaker informs me that there is no name of an artist, but that the subject is identified as a Buryat. I take from online information: "The Buryat people are descended from various Siberian and Mongol peoples that inhabited the Lake Baikal Region including Kurykans, who are also the ancestors of the Siberian Turkic speaking Yakuts. Then...

An attractive plein air oil on canvas painting of the desert in spring with blooming pink verbena on the dunes, 13" by 15", unframed, signed at lower left by listed California artist GRACE T. HOWELL (1876-1966). Howell was born in Denver and showed early art talent. Married in 1897, she moved to Southern California in 1927, living in La Mesa, near San Diego. She painted the California deserts and coast. This oil could use a light cleaning to bring it to optimum condition. See another painti...

A vintage (mid century) illustration of a pink orchid blossom, the background airbrush and the flower hand painted, 14 1/2" by 14 1/2" inside the attractive double mat, the piece 22 1/2" by 22 1/2" as framed in silvery complementary framing, signed at lower right by artist "Childs". The name being a common one, I searched but did not immediately tie this to a listed, known artist. Nevertheless he/she was talented. The work is in excellent fresh condition, and the framing has only a small bit ...

Watercolor on paper painting of a mid nineteenth century American house, 9 1/2" by 6 1/2" (17" by 13" framed), signed at lower right "Barney Moore" and dated there 1941. I do not see information on the artist but he was obviously talented. The house is of an architectural style that would have been common in the 1860's or 1870's, in many American neighborhoods east of the MIssissippi. Condition is excellent. Someone wrote "Moore 1946" on the reverse paper.

From our European Collection, a very good 17th century copper plate engraving, most likely English circa 1650-1700, depicting a Chinese official accompanied by his entourage, with subjects kowtowing in the foreground and a crowd of spectators to the rear.

Size and Condition: 7 inches by 5 1/4 inches, very well preserved with only slight creasing.

Old ink and watercolor drawing of early 19th century men and a boy pictured in an English interior, executed probably early years of the 20th century, signed "O. Krause" and also bearing the word "Copy", 6 1/2" by 6" inside the opening in black glass eglomise style "mat", 10 1/4" by 9" as it was originally framed. The drawing seems to me to be after perhaps an original illustration in a Charles Dickens (or other English author of the period) book. Dickens works were illustrated by a number of ...

Offered as a pair, pastel drawings of fruit (an apple, and an orange), each signed by contemporary Alabama studio artist JOHN KELLEY. The drawings are each 4" by 4", and 11" by 9" as framed in light wood. Kelley was born in St. Louis but moved to a rural area near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he works diligently, producing paintings and drawings of fruit, four seasons landscape, and portraits. Technically very adept, Kelley has kept a low profile. A fun and whimsical website including blog sho...

An unframed oil on canvas painting of a dreamy waterfall, the deep and mysterious gorge featuring palm trees and at left a small flower-bedecked modest home, the 24" by 18" work signed at lower right "Carolyn". Condition is excellent, the work needing only a frame. The rendering of the palms reminds a bit of the way Filipino artist Romeo Tabuena painted such scenes.

An original lithograph on heavy paper, unframed, pencil signed at lower left by the noted Israeli contemporary artist MENASHE KADISHMAN (1932-2015). The print, featuring Kadishman's trademark imagery, of a sheep's head, measures 29 7/8" by 19 3/4". The artist was born in Tel Aviv and by the late 1940's was already studying with sculptors Moshe Sternschluss and Rudi Lehman. In the early 1950's, the young Kadishman lived on a kibbutz, where he was exposed to sheep and shepherding; the experienc...

Oil on canvas painting of grouse in the snow among pines, 16" by 20", signed at lower right "Berta C. Richards 50", and titled in ink on the reverse "Spring Around the Corner/in Colo Foot Hills/Berta C. Richards/1950". I do not see a listing for the artist but this vintage oil is competently executed by a talented hand. The condition is excellent, since this has been protected actually behind glass, in the veneer-type frame often seen on Currier and Ives prints. I think you might well want to...

Black ink on paper still life including wine bottle, Asian pot in foreground, potted plant and objects on a distant table, 17 1/4" by 11 1/4" (25" by 19" as framed), signed at lower right by well listed artist WAYNE LA COM (1922-). The economy of draftsmanship in this ink drawing reminds of the skilled pen technique of Henri Matisse and his famous nudes. La Com is known for his skilled watercolors in the 20th century California Scene style. Many works were executed in Hawaii of familiar Hawaiia...

Fine engraving by Cousen, titled at bottom center "The Woodland Gate", after the original painting by English Royal Academician WILLIAM COLLINS (1788-1847), measuring 8 1/4" by 10 5/8" inside the mat with hand-drawn lines, 16" by 17 1/2" in silvery framing. This is a fine decorative print that is in extremely clean, wall-ready condition. According to information on the internet, Collins' work was prized more highly in the late 19th century than that of Constable and Turner. He was made a full...

This is a wood engraving print titled "Les Visages", by the important French artist GEORGES ROUAULT (1871-1958). The print measures 7" by 8 3/4" inside the mat (13 3/4" by 15 1/2" as framed). I believe that this is from the edition published at a later date (circa 1960's) by the Collectors' Guild of New York; the print is dated in the plate 1927, and signed in the plate at lower right. The condition is very good with even very light toning of the paper. Rouault is a major French Fauvist and Exp...

Watercolor and sepia brown ink on thin paper drawing of swans in a pond surrounded by vegetation, the sheet itself 5 3/8" by 11 5/8", apparently unsigned/undated, and with no watermarks I can see. If I had to guess as to age and origin I would say circa 1800 English, possibly later 18th century. The drawing is in very good condition for its age, with quite fresh colors. Someone in more recent times affixed it with adhesive to the overmat, but only at the bottom margin where there was original...

Watercolor on paper, 10" by 14" (15" by 19" as framed), signed at lower left with the distinctive signature of California Scene artist JAKE LEE. This is an image of a vintage old house framed by mature trees, a few suggested figures in the foreground. Jake Lee's works are increasingly sought after by collectors in the wake of his relatively recent passing. This is a clean example in excellent condition. See the net for more images of his paintings, which include California landscapes, as wel...

A very accomplished pastel drawing in high key tropical-style colors, featuring a bird's eye view of the landscape around San Gimignano, the popular ancient Tuscan hilltop town in Italy, southwest of Florence, much beloved and frequented by tourists from around the world. The work, 13" by 10 1/4" (20" by 16" framed) is signed at lower right by contemporary artist Helen C. Butler. On the backing is a printed sticker of the artist giving the title. Excellent fresh, clean condition. Allow for r...

A pleasing watercolor painting of a small sail boat on a lake, trees beyond, painted in an impressionist hand. Unfortunately the talented artist did not sign the work, which is laid down on a card. Framing circa mid 1960's included the old fashioned detail-dulling non-glare glass which should be discarded. The work measures 14" by 10" inside the mat and 19 1/2" by 14 1/2" framed. Condition is excellent other than being laid down, and rusted tack holes in each corner, easily hidden by framing...

M Morett etching By Wenceslaus Hollar c 1647 etching mounted to a larger page good condition.size approximately 4 by 6" Harvard museum has one in their collection. Wenceslaus Hollar, (Prague 1607 - 1677 London) After Hans Holbein the Younger, German (Augsburg, Germany 1497/98 - 1543 London, England)

A watercolor on paper of people conversing and socializing in a square or city street, the sheet 15" by 11", the drawing 12 1/2" by 8 1/2" (22 1/2" by 18" in newish gold framing), the work indecipherably signed in red below the linen mat. The signature looks like "Arnold Balg(xxxxx)" or any number of variations of that, but to date I have been unable to tie this to a listed artist. The work came from the liquidated collection of eastern Pennsylvania theatre owner mogul Merton Shapiro (also of ...

Mid 20th century painting of a vessel containing a plant with interesting leaves and orange tightly closed flowers, executed in an impressionist style with a modernist feel, on a 16" by 20" canvasboard, unframed, signed in black capital letters at lower left "Chatterton". Neither the signature nor subject matter resemble those of noted artist Clarence Chatterton, who was a student of Edward Hopper. I am offering it simply as an interesting still life painting. Condition: some light abrasions ...

Oil on canvasboard painting of an extensive panoramic desert viewed from forested heights, signed at lower right and signed again with title "Over Mahave Desert Sept. 19, 1944" on the reverse. The work, 10 3/4" by 14", is unframed. Lydia Floret is a listed artist. Several pieces have sold at auction---another desert scene, a boy with a toy train, and a landscape of the New Hope Canal (eastern Pennsylvania's Bucks County). An internet search shows a woman of that name, age 30, as a lodger in ...

Icon-style painting in gouache on board, late 20th century, executed in the style of ancient religious icons, the painting 10 1/2" by 8" inside the mat, 19 3/4" by 17 1/4" in its pleasing, quality light oak frame. The painting is titled "Saint Neofytos", which literally means, according to a Greek-speaker with whom I consulted (for a lack of a better term), the "NEWLY INITIATED ONE". In addition there is ballpoint pen handwritten notation on the reverse, which translates as "Painted 15 years a...