Colored etching, 7 3/4" by 4 3/8" inside the mat, 13 1/4" by 9 3/4" framed, pencil signed at lower right margin, with "No. 18" notation, by the famous French artist, JEAN-FRANCOIS RAFFAELLI (1850-1924). This is a sympathetic depiction of a common woman of the lower class, gathering sticks on a chilly day for her cooking fire or hearth. Raffaelli found the common, the poor, the working class, and the underprivileged people of Paris and its industrial suburbs to be his favorite subjects...

A whimsical drawing of a young child-like chimpanzee seated in a parlor, evidently enjoying a cocktail, a tea kettle in the foreground suggesting that he is about to partake in other civilized human behavior. The drawing is unsigned. I researched a bit on the net to see if it might be by the artists who created Curious George, (Hans-Augusto Rey(Reyersbach) and Margret Rey), but the obvious lack of resemblance to that most famous cartoon ape indicates that this drawing is not of him...

This decorative, complex gouache drawing appears to be possibly a wallpaper design of the Art Deco period, or, it could just be a drawing in its own right. On the reverse is written the name "T.M. Abell". The eye-teasing geometric design seems to vibrate almost in the way that Op-Art of later decades vibrates and challenges the eye. Colors are greens, oranges and yellows, with white and black lightning-bolt type diagonal borders making for a most dramatic pattern...

An English antique line engraving by Taylor, published by Alexander Hogg in "The Antiquities of England and Wales", 1795, the subject given as "View of Lambeth Palace in Surrey". The print measures 7 1/4" by 9 1/4" (and 13 1/2" by 15 1/2" framed). The print looks decidedly antique, the paper with old crinkles, and it is simply laid against a pinkish board. It appears to have been possibly trimmed at bottom. The decorative print is hand colored...

Nicely executed impressionist pastel drawing of coastal rocks and surf, 9" by 12" (14 1/2" by 17 1/2" framed), unsigned. This came from a collection of Northern California art, including pastel drawings by Carl Sammons, so I would at least entertain the possibility that he could have been the artist, but alas, this is truly unsigned. The work is on paper laid on a board. Condition is excellent with just a little contact with the old style non-glare glass, which should be replaced...

Original lithograph print, 7 1/4" by 10 3/8" inside the mat opening, the sheet 8 1/4" by 12 3/4", the title "Greeting Card for Aime Maeght", printed by Mourlot in the year 1960 in an unknown edition, on heavy Arches paper. The print is taped at top on the reverse...

Hand colored stipple engraving botanical print, titled "LONICERA Alpigena", and "CHEVREFEUILLE Alpigene" in French (a type of honeysuckle), after the highly important Belgian-born botanical artist of the late years of the 18th century and early years of the 19th, PIERRE-JOSEPH REDOUTE (1759-1840). The original drawings from which the images derive were created sometime around 1810 and the prints were created not long thereafter...

Gouache painting of a gingerbread, Victorian house in Georgetown, Colorado, 12 1/2" by 10", 20 3/4" by 16 1/4" framed. The painting is signed at lower left "M H Brown" and dated there 57 or 59, and the word "Georgetown" identifies the setting. A modern framer's sticker on the backing from Georgetown, Colorado confirms the locale. Georgetown is an historic town filled with examples of Victorian architecture from the boom days of the 19th century in that part of the country...

Found in Florida, a PAIR of watercolor on paper paintings, each signed "H. Crouse 50", one featuring a young dark-haired woman dancing animatedly in flamenco style dress, the other featuring a young man with sombrero and traditional shoulder cloth and sandals. The works measure 14 3/4" by 10 3/4" inside the existing mats, and 22" by 18" in thin gold strip framing. The subjects might be Mexican, or Central American, or Cuban...

Watercolor painting of yellow roses on their prickly stems, 11" by 7 3/4" (16 1/2" by 12 3/4" framed), unsigned, circa late 19th century or early 20th. There is an old framer's label on the reverse backing from Boston. Condition is good, mat should be replaced, as well as old-style acidic old sawn wood backing boards. The mat edges did leave browning to mark their presence but that would be hidden completely by a new mat.

Oil on canvas painting of a desert, late 20th century, 12" by 16" (19" by 23" framed), signed at lower left by California desert painter KENNETH WALFORD. This is a rather typical example of the work of this artist. I have handled a number of Walford's works. Most feature desert landscapes. Biographical information on the artist seems to be lacking at this time.

Oil on board, 21" by 31" (27" by 37" framed), unsigned, the view late autumn or early winter in high western mountains, snow already on the ground and peaks but brown leaves still holding on to a few trees. The work is really very nicely done and I believe it quite likely that the artist is listed, but unfortunately it is just not signed. The painting likely dates to about the 1950's or early 1960's at latest...

A **PAIR** of oil on canvas laid on board paintings of New Orleans scenes, each 16" by 7" (and 19" by 10" identically framed), each signed "Mansfield". The works are by listed artist GEORGE DRUMMOND MANSFIELD (who also sometimes signed "Drummond"). The works are often in vertical format like these, and sold in pairs...

Old mountain and canyon landscape with foreground water and fog in the trees, 22 1/2" by 12 3/4" framed, unsigned, painted on old gray art board. The work likely dates to about the first quarter of the 20th century or possibly last years of the 19th. The vertical format would complement a narrow small wall. Old gold frame has some chip losses especially at corners. The whitish clouds in the sky might exhibit some definite paint wear; but to the degree that this almost blends into the clouds,...

Three engravings, from a set (consecutively numbered in Roman numerals), but separate though loosely framed together, margins for the most part tightly trimmed, each measuring roughly 6 1/2" by 5 1/2". The scenes of the old towns are named in Latin, German, and French. Judging from the architecture, the towers and buildings are certainly from the northern part of Europe, most likely Germany. Artist is undetermined at this point. Some research could reveal that information. The prints are lo...

After the Salvador Dali 1959 painting "Virgen de Guadalupe", this is a circa 1982 pencil signed lithograph print measuring 28" by 16 3/4" inside the mat (36" by 25" as framed). The piece is pencil signed at lower right and numbered 132/300 at lower left. This particular print is widely considered a late, unauthorized edition so is offered strictly as manner of or after the great Dali's work, the signature not by Dali, who died in 1989 and was not signing in the years before his death. It is ...

Tinted color appearance photograph of West Gate, Garden of the Gods, Colorado, by the noted William Henry Jackson (April 4, 1843 – June 30, 1942), an American painter, Civil War veteran, geological survey photographer and explorer, famous for his images of the American West. The work measures 4 1/4" by 7 1/4" (11 1/4" by 14 1/4" framed). I am not a specialist in photographica of the American West, but from research this appears to be what is called a "photochrom" of a black and white image or...

An original gouache on illustration board drawing of a native American dancer performing the "eagle dance" of the Southwest, measuring 8" by 6 1/2" (12 1/2" by 11" in wood frame), signed at lower right by artist H. Kunkle and dated '79. Definitely an original gouache drawing, not a serigraph or reproduction of any kind. See close-up images. I have not been able to locate information on an artist by this name. The work is loose in the frame, needs to be nailed in again. Double mat is very cl...

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a man and two female companions, relaxing in a sun dappled forest in summer, the gentleman playing a guitar, the women in feminine dress with bonnets and hats. The work, (24" by 30", and mid 20th century frame 4" on a side), has for years defied my efforts to identify the artist, as the signature at lower right is very difficult indeed. It appears to begin with a "B", and I have tried combinations such as "Brettschneider" to no avail. My best guess as t...

A circa 1880 American painting on canvas of a white clapboard house on a farm or rural land, the structure surrounded by bare trees, white fences and outbuildings, a sitting dog strategically placed at center staring directly at the viewer. The work measures 18" by 22" and 22" by 25" framed. It is in very original condition, so original that we might be looking at a heavily soiled surface that would brighten dramatically with a professional cleaning, though there is no doubt that the color pal...

Old watercolor painting of yellow daffodils in a green vase, 13 3/4" by 13" (19 1/2" by 19" in old, likely original frame), signed at lower right "KAY". There are a number of last names of listed artist by that name, but it would be difficult to point to any particular one as our painter. The work likely dates to about 1930 give or take about ten years. The color scheme and framing, not to mention the pottery vase, really give a feeling of Arts and Crafts. Would work well in a Mission style ...

Old painting, 8 1/4" by 6 3/4" (16 1/2" by 15" framed), circa 1870, unsigned, the subject a young girl with blonde hair and intense blue eyes standing in a courtyard or patio area in front of a dwelling, a curious cat peering from the entrance seen at left. The girl is dressed in traditional picturesque clothing of the time. Someone in the past affixed to the bottom of the frame a placard identifying the artist as Ludwig Knaus (1829-1910), a well-known German painter of the second half of the ...

Late 19th century watercolor painting of the famous Spanish Steps in Rome, an historical church forming the backdrop to a scene still iconic today. 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 piece, which measures 12 3/4" by 8 3/4" inside the mat, and 22 1/2" by 18" as framed. Note the exceptionally fine detail throughout; the traditional clothing of the foreground ...

In the tradition of Victorian rose paintings of the late 19th and early 20th century, here is an unframed work, canvas laid on board, 11 1/2" by 21 1/2", signed at lower right "IDMAY". The painting likely dates to the early years of the 20th century, a time when young girls were encouraged to take up the "ladylike" skill of flower painting. "IDMAY" might have been Ida Mae----one of these young ladies. Our artist was of average skill, but her handiwork has outlived her. Ideal for the Shabby C...

This is a rare collection of black and white mounted photos I acquired from an estate in Bel Air, California some years ago, all bearing on the reverse a green stamp "From the Estate of Norman Cousins", sizes ranging from 14" by 7 1/2" to 17" by 13". These are circa 1960's works by the noted American political journalist, author, professor, world peace advocate, and photographer, Norman Cousins (1915-1990). He was a talented and avid photographer, though he is not especially remembered today f...

Original lithograph print, "Les Soliloques du Pauvre" for the jacket of the book of poems by the noted French poet Gabriel Randon (1867-1933), who went by the pen name "Jehan Rictus". The print measures 7 5/8" by 12 7/8" inside the mat, and as framed measurements are 16 1/2" by 21". Steinlen (1859-1923) of course was the major Swiss artist known for his drawings and prints during the late years of the 19th century and early years of the twentieth. Well integrated into the cultural circles in ...

Old photo of a seaside Greek temple with Doric columns, 10" by 14" (17" by 20 1/2" in metal framing with mat). I am not a specialist in vintage photography, but this seems to have some age. There is some silvering at lower right. The print might have been created from an old negative with some damage as there are some white spots in the print that are not damage to the print itself----I imagine that this is disturbance on the original negative. The mat has a little soiling or moisture staini...

Lithograph print of two little sisters, printed by Associated American Artists at mid century, signed in pencil at lower right by the popular, listed Sicilian-born artist JEAN CALOGERO (1922-2001). The print, 14" by 9 5/8" (19" by 15" framed), dates likely to the 1950's or 1960's. Calogero's colorful oils of children, and mysterious fantasy scenes including masks and Surrealist elements, are familiar to art lovers. This print has some paper browning but otherwise appears clean.

A pleasing image of what appears to be a colonial church, perhaps in Brazil, or elsewhere in Latin America, or Mediterranean Europe (Portugal?----the architecture of the building suggests Brazil or Portugal) where palm trees grow; the apparently unsigned work, 7 1/2" by 5 1/2" (12" by 10" in gold framing) is, I believe, a monotype. That would be something of a hybrid bridging printmaking and drawing---a unique work made by the artist pressing paper against a glass or other surface on which the ...

A watercolor painting of a steep hillside with trees, several structures filling the lower portion of the composition, unsigned, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (24 3/4" by 20 1/2" in the dark simulated wood framing. The painting does have some age and would likely be by a listed artist. Mat got wet at some point at bottom and will need to be replaced. Art itself is in excellent condition, the colors fresh. There is a water stain on the reverse side of the paper, unrelated to the mat situation; but there...

Acquired from the recent liquidation of the extensive estate of actor Charlton Heston and his wife Lydia, this is an original photograph, unsigned/unattributed, measuring 13 1/2" by 17 3/4", unframed, in a clean white mat. There are a number of contemporary notations in pencil on the mat, including "STILL LIFE MID 1920", and a $300 asking price. The photo seems to be perhaps earlier, so "circa 1900" might be reasonable. Lydia Heston was active as a professional photographer, and the estate had...

A PAIR of copper engravings circa 1766, by noted English entomologist and illustrator/engraver MOSES HARRIS (1731-1785), featuring a number of species of moths of the British Isles, as published in The Aurelian, or a Natural History of English Insects. These both measure 18 1/4" by 14 3/4" as identically framed (20th century simple black wood strip frames). Harris' drawings were displayed at the Royal academy in 1785. He was an illustrator of a number of natural history works, The Aurelian se...

Recently acquired from a Southern California German-American family liquidating a household, are twenty-one watercolor paintings by "Uncle Max" (Markus "Max" Hansen, 1898-), featuring mostly Old World landscapes and street scenes, with a few interiors in the mix. Some are framed in wood, some unframed, some have glass, some do not, some are signed, some are not. The artist was talented but is unknown outside of the family. Born in 1898, he lived in Eppertshausen between Frankfurt and Darmstad...

An original watercolor drawing of a familiar California theme: surfers at the beach, with lifeguard tower, palms, and two parked classic late 1940's Woodies vehicles. The work is signed at lower left "Dry......" ("Drysbock", or similar?) and measures 4 1/2" by 6 1/2". It comes matted but with no frame and glass. Likely is a contemporary work. Looks like a print but guaranteed to be original work.

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a tree in late autumn, the leaves still in their golden glory, haystacks filling the meadow. This work measures 8" by 10" and is unsigned and not framed. On the reverse is written in pencil "Oct 7 - 1939". More than likely this is by a listed artist but his or her identity will remain a mystery. Put a frame around it and this will shine.

Oil on canvas painting by Haitian artist J.B. Gaston, 12 1/2" by 16", unframed, the subject a colorful tropical village among palms, numerous figures going about their regular activities. This work is squarely within the classic style of art we have come to expect from Haiti. It is not an old work but continues a tradition of Haitian art going back to the 1940's. Excellent condition. Will brighten any interior.

Likely painted for the southern tourist trade between about 1920 and 1950 or so, is this oil on a slice of palmetto wood, roughly oval shape, approximate dimensions 10" by 13", the slab 1" thick, signed at bottom left in the image "A. Donhauser". This locale could be anywhere from Texas through Georgia, given the Spanish Moss on the tree. The palmetto slab is unusual and adds interest. An unusual item. There is a small loss on the tree trunk.

Small contemporary unframed painting, 10" by 8", signed at lower right "Harper", of a classic old late Victorian gingerbread house, complete with the turret rooms and wraparound porch that was so common in homes built during that period. It would have been nice had the artist identified the address, but that was not to be. The work is in excellent condition.

Oil on canvas painting of a street scene, presumably in Israel, 16" by 11 1/4" framed, signed at lower left "Moshe M.". This does not appear to be by Moshe Mokady, the best known artist with whom that name corresponds closely. Nevertheless it is a competently handled work in excellent condition.

Oil on panel painting, 25 1/2" by 23 1/2" framed, the subject rather difficult to describe, but bridging abstract and realism with some surreal thrown in for good measure, by difficult to categorize American contemporary artist JERRY MCLAUGHLIN (born circa 1925), now a resident of Santa Cruz, California. McLaughlin's meandering career was described in detail in a Metro Santa Cruz article of 1998, and a New York Times article of 2001. The artist was an art director on Madison Avenue, but moved ...

Classic saguaro type cactus in a yellow pot, set on a gray stone patio, against a bright blue background, measuring 14" by 11", unframed, apparently unsigned. The work is very whimsical and the artist has a cheery touch. A great addition to your Southwestern interior. Excellent condition. There might be a signature on the reverse but it is crossed out and hard to decipher----might read "XXXXX Barsh".

A work on canvas, 16" by 20", unframed/unsigned, featuring spatter drips in blue, red, yellow and a touch of green, on a white ground, in the style of famed modern American painter Sam Francis. I think the paint is likely acrylic. The work is a rather more affordable version, compared to the six or seven figure paintings by the master. A pleasing addition to your Mid Century interior, in excellent condition.

A PAIR of contemporary oil on canvas works, one on canvas, 20" by 16" (26 1/2" by 22 1/2" framed), the larger piece on canvas board, 24" by 18" (30 1/2" by 24 1/2" framed), one signed with what appears as "Sichan" or similar. The frames are of identical silvery finish. Frames and paintings are in excellent condition. The expansive view out over a coast, and relaxed patios with their furniture, evoke pleasant thoughts and perhaps memories of vacations past. The archway through which we look o...

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...

Fine old marine art drawing, in compromised condition, as found in Rhode Island, unframed, 13" by 19 1/2", signed at lower left corner "F R Smith". This is almost certainly by late 19th century American artist F. ROLLIN SMITH, who painted watercolors and oils of marine scenes. Little seems to be known of the artist but works do appear at auction. This drawing is a survivor, found in a portfolio of drawings in Providence, Rhode Island. It likely dates to the late 1870's or the 1880's; many of ...

Etching, in a style that exhibits both the fine detail and subtle shading techniques of Rembrandt, the subject matter three human heads, one head of a goat, and one, a ram, by the French draftsman, etcher and engraver, JEAN-JACQUES DE BOISSIEU (1736-1810). The print, 6 1/4" by 8" inside the blue mat (10 1/2" by 13 1/2" framed), is signed at lower center just with initials, the "DB" conjoined, and is dated there 1803. De Boissieu was born in Lyon in eastern France and is closely associated with...

Oil on canvas painting of a rocky windy coastline, likely in Ireland or Scotland I believe, signed at lower right "Peg McCarty". I do not see a listing for the artist. There is a canvas stamp on reverse, of Winsor & Newton, London, England. Measurements 14" by 18" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" framed). Condition is excellent save for a few drips of foreign matter, brownish, along the ridgeline/horizon at left, and in sea at left center.

Watercolor painting of a stand of leafless trees in late autumn, a small stream flowing through, 11" by 8" framed, apparently unsigned. I would imagine this dates to the 1920's or 1930's most likely. I did open up the backing and could find neither signature nor any other information, though I feel the work quite likely by a listed artist. I purchased the painting in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Condition is excellent. The frame has a rustic Adirondacks feeling to it, with a suggestion of sa...

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...

Watercolor painting of a young ballerina-like ice skater on a frozen pond, 9" by 12 1/2" (17 1/4" by 20 1/4" framed), signed in red at lower left by gallery artist Craig Smith. There seems to be little internet information on the artist, though another work in my shop by him, an oil, comes with a business card showing that he exhibited at a Carmel, California gallery in the mid 1980's. The present work seems to pre-date that by a number of years----perhaps circa 1950's or 1960's. The artist p...

A PAIR of highly realistic, detailed watercolor paintings one of pears, one of peaches, the peaches 10" by 14", (18" by 21" as framed), the pears 9 1/2" by 15 1/2", (16 3/4" by 22 1/4" framed), both in blond wood frames, behind Plexiglas, both signed in gold paint by Los Angeles area contemporary artist GRACE SWANSON. An online biography reveals that the artist displayed talent while still a youngster; she went on to degrees in art from Loyola Marymount College in Los Angeles. In 2010 an exhi...

Contemporary Australian aboriginal art "dot" painting, acrylic on a thin canvas, signed on the reverse by artist POLLY PUNTJUNTA, and stamped with the Original Aboriginal Art Company stamp, of Adelaide, South Australia. The work measures 15" by 26 1/2" (23" by 34" in a wood frame with scratches). The past framer elected to place the reverse wire so as to hang this vertically, though I do not believe there is any particular reason to have done so. The work might be more logically horizontal. ...

PAIR of pastel drawings of stone buildings in Israel, each 13 1/4" by 9 1/4" (19" by 14 3/4" in simple light wood frames), each signed "N. Kobi", one dated '87, the other '89. I do not see a listing for the artist, who seems to have been skilled with pastel. Both works are clean. The frames have wear that could possibly be sanded out.

Oil on board painting of a winter landscape, unsigned, 15" by 18" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), executed by a talented yet still naive hand, circa late 19th century. A pleasing work for the antique house or Americana and folk art collection. Notably, there is some abrasion and scratches, principally at lower left center near the fence, but also a bit in the trees at left and right and one in the sky, and varnish is yellowed.

Mid twentieth century oil on canvas painting of a European-looking harbor, 30" by 25" (33 1/2" by 28 1/2" framed), signed at lower right in red "M. Davies". The work, signed again on reverse and titled there "The Early Start", is painted in an impressionist hand by a talented artist who I have to date been unable to identify. The work is in very good condition; yellowed varnish could stand to be removed but you would not have to do this. There is a slight smoke smell close up. I would guess...

Contemporary painting of a young woman in summery attire, teasing the viewer as she clings to her white wide-brimmed hat, 24" by 36", unframed, signed at right by contemporary American artist R. BAILEY. I do not see information on an artist by this name. The painting is reminiscent of classic 20th century pin-up illustration art. It is in excellent display condition.

Oil or acrylic painting on canvas, 12" by 16", presently unframed, with notation on stretcher "CORTONA ITALY SEPT. 2007" and a signature that looks like "Mylius". Cortona is a town in Tuscany. The artist I believe was American. His or her style is charmingly primitive/naive. The color harmony is very pleasing, and condition is excellent. I note only a tiny 1/3" slit in cypress tree at left, so minor that I didn't even notice it until I began to wonder why there is a piece of tape on reverse...

Watercolor on paper painting of a lovely young woman in turn of the century Italy, likely Venice, 13" by 10 1/4" inside the mat, 21" by 17 1/2" in pleasing coppery gold frame, signed at lower right by artist D. G. ANGIOLINI. The artist is obviously highly skilled. Paintings by this D. G. Angiolini generally feature genre scenes of Venice, or views of Venice. At least one online offering of a painting thus signed suggests that this is a pseudonym for highly important Italian 19th century artis...

Oil on canvas painting of a calf standing in a tawny meadow, 12" by 12" (15 1/4" by 15 1/4" in simple wood frame), signed at lower left "Hutcheson". This is a simple yet competently painted work by an artist whose identity remains unknown to me. I have searched online and feel this could be by a female Arkansas artist, but that would be just a guess. Condition is excellent.

Ink on paper drawing of the narrow streets of an old town likely in eastern Massachusetts, possibly Marblehead, two women chatting casually, the work signed by the artist at lower right and monogrammed and dated in Roman numerals 1896 at left, by the noted American artist and illustrator EDMUND HENRY GARRETT (1853-1929). Garrett was born in Albany, New York at mid century, and died near Boston at the end of the 1920's. His art career appears to have started slowly, with little art education pr...