Oil on board painting of a young fair-haired woman in a pastoral landscape, caressing a dove in her hands, the subject handled in a dreamy impressionist style, signed at lower right with initials "HBK" and dated there 97. The work measures 12 3/4" by 8 3/4 including a narrow old style gold frame to which the board was mounted long ago. I am attempting to determine who "HBK" might have been. The artist was skilled and created a timeless image...

Watercolor painting of flowers in a vase on a tabletop, 16" by 18 1/2" (20" by 22" framed), signed at lower left corner by noted artist GUY DE BOUTHILLIER. The artist, born in France in 1893 to a French political minister, is said to have studied with Monet, Picasso, and John Singer Sargent (see printed label on reverse, with short biography, from the old Beverly Hills-based Martin Lowitz Gallery)...

Pastel drawing of a path among trees at day's end, 9 1/2" by 5 3/4" (13" by 9" framed), signed at lower right by artist E. W. Rost, or possibly E. Vyrost (Vyrost is a Czech surname). The work has a Tonalist or Barbizon feeling. There is an American artist Rost but with different initials, and that artist created mostly etchings. Condition of the drawing is excellent, though the frame has considerable wear, especially at bottom and left.

Circa 1960's watercolor painting of a snowy street in New England, a white church at left and bare elm trees framing the scene at right, signed at lower right corner by artist William Carpenter. I do not see a listing that would seem to fit but the artist obviously was talented in the watercolor medium. Condition is very clean. All images were taken through detail-dulling non-glare glass of the period. Measurements 10 1/4" by 11 1/2" (16" by 17" framed).

Circa 1900 watercolor of the heart of Venice, Italy, including the familiar sights of canal and gondola, St. Mark's Basilica church and the famous clock tower on the Piazza San Marco, signed at lower left "E.K. Coomber". This work measures 12" by 6 1/4" inside the mat and 18 1/2" by 12" framed. The artist though apparently unknown was talented and a master of the watercolor medium. The artwork is clean, although the photos suggest otherwise; there is foxing and soil on the inside of the glass...

PAIR of gouache paintings of Italy, one apparently showing the island of Ischia in moonlight, at the entrance to the Gulf of Naples, the other a coastal scene of the mainland, neither signed, circa 1900. The Ischia work measures 6 1/2" by 9 3/4", the other 7" by 10 3/4" (12" by 14 3/4" and 12 1/2" by 16" framed----the frames slightly different). Such paintings were popular souvenirs that went home with Grand Tour visitors at the turn of the century...

Etching, tightly trimmed to round shape ("tondo"), 8 5/8" by 8 5/8" (12" diameter in quality round, gold modern framing by Los Angeles framers Jerry Solomon Enterprises Inc.), the title "The Satyr Family", dating to 1657. This is a fine 17th century etching by a talented Old Master...

Oil on canvas bucolic landscape, a figure tending to haystacks in a tawny field, a towering tree looking over it all, 19 1/2" by 30", (26" by 35 1/2 " framed), signed at lower right by late nineteenth century English artist G CLAYTON. There are a few works by the artist in the auction records but I see no biography. Judging from the subject matter,handling, and materials, the work would likely date to about 1890...

Oil on board painting of whitewashed, red tile roof typical California architecture, a garden in bloom in the brilliant sunshine, painted circa 1940 by an anonymous artist. The impressionist technique is outstanding, and I believe that were this signed, we would see the name of a listed artist. Written in old hand in pencil on the reverse of the board is "Pomona College Claremont"...

Bold, likely American oil or acrylic on paper painting, with black, white and greenish-blue elements standing out against a red background, 19" by 23 1/2" (24" by 30" in shiny chrome metal type framing), signed in pencil at lower right with initials "M K". The contemporary work includes some identifiable forms, such as a five-pointed star at lower left, and one wonders if the black imagery at top is a human form including head, two breasts, legs, and feet...

Watercolor painting of docked small boats and their rigging, 13" by 9 1/2", 20 1/2" by 17 3/4" framed (no glass), signed at lower left by the artist, A. Romanet (ANDRE ROMANET, 20th century French). The talented watercolorist seems to have worked in the south of France on the Riviera before the war, there being watercolors of Saint-Tropez and Saint-Raphael. Colors are bright and condition is very good overall; I note a tiny puncture in sky at upper left, but it is tiny...

Crayon drawing on paper of village rooftops in a European mountain setting, 8 3/4" by 11 3/8" inside the mat, 14 1/2" by 17" in simple strip frame (not pictured), unsigned. The artist was talented but unfortunately remains anonymous. There are a few scribbles on the reverse side of the paper (see last image). The work dates to the first half of the twentieth century. It is in good condition, consistent with its age; some paper toning and very slight ripple.

Large, impressive watercolor painting of mountain laurel shrub and its delicate blossoms (the state flower of Connecticut, growing naturally in the wild, especially at higher elevations, and blooming in the month of May), 19" by 28 1/2" (27 1/2" by 35 1/2" framed), signed at lower right and dated there 1890, by the well listed Massachusetts artist RICHARD ANDREW (1869-1956). Andrew was born in Belfast, (Northern) Ireland and died in Gloucester, Massachusetts...

ONE OF TWO BY THE SAME ARTIST IN MY SHOP, IDENTICAL SIZE AND FRAMING, oil on board, 18" by 14" (22" by 18" framed), signed at upper right "LEE WILLKE". This work shows a Plains Indian with full roach and faintly mischievous smile. The complex surface is heavily worked. Both of these whimsical works likely date to about the 1950's, and were found at the same location in Maine. I have not been able to locate an artist of this name. I would prefer to sell them as a pair...

Sold together as a group, three early copper engravings on heavy paper, one titled "Deuil D'une Personne Qui Vient de Mourir" (20" by 24" framed), another "Mort...

PAIR of drawings, one in pencil, consisting of two sketches of apparently the same figure, from varying angles (11 1/2" by 8 1/4"), the other in red chalk, of a nude model (15 1/2" by 11 3/4"). Both are signed by noted California artist BEN CARRE (1883-1978) and are identically framed (23 1/2" by 19 1/2"). Carre was born in Paris and was an early set painter for the Paris Opera, Comedie Francaise, and Covent Garden. He became an early art director for the Gaumont Film Studios, painting trompl...

Contemporary watercolor painting of a sun-filled, arid landscape with eucalyptus, spiky yucca-like plants, and a lizard (Australian goanna?) in the foreground, the painting signed at lower right "Meg Hocking". The piece is likely from Australia, as the goanna and eucalyptus would suggest. An internet search does not turn up an artist by this name but obviously she knew watercolor painting. The work, unframed (is matted, though) measures 13 3/4" by 9 7/8" inside the mat. Place a frame around ...

Small oil on board painting of houses at left, feathery trees occupying the right hand side of the composition, unsigned, 8" by 11 1/2" (11 1/2" by 15" in mid 20th century frame). The painting reminds one of the Dutch Old Masters though it was very likely executed in the 19th century, perhaps in England. It shows evidence of its age, with soiling, a missing fleck at right center (the white spot) and some smallish scrapes in sky at upper left. Restoration would easily take care of all these is...

Old (pre 1920, possibly as early as late 19th century) watercolor of coastal rocks, 10" by 14", the frame in which found measuring 18 1/2" by 22", signed at lower right "T. G. Stowers". The work, found in New England, was mounted on an old board years ago. As it was loose in the frame, I have removed it for photography, and will ship it between boards. The old frame has some losses and is available at no extra cost. Research to date has not led to a listed artist name that would correspond. ...

Eugenia Grant's floral works in pastel are amazing achievements, often leading people to think they are prints. This is a glorious original work, 21" by 26 3/4", framed behind glass (33" by 39" framed), and signed at lower right. The realistic depiction of the pink roses, flowers, porcelain vessel, curtain backdrop, and reflection in table top, is very impressive indeed. I have seen a number of works by this highly underrated artist, and they always feature this impressive attention to detail. T...

Gouache on paper painting of a priest sitting quietly on a terrace overlooking the dramatic Mediterranean coastline, 10" by 5 1/2" as framed, apparently unsigned, but almost certainly by a member of the well-known Gianni family of painters. The work is clean and in excellent condition; old frame has a 2" loss at bottom right. There are a number of painters going under the name "Gianni". Many works of such southern Italian scenes are signed M. Gianni, others Y. Gianni. The auction houses I thin...

Oil on canvas painting, unframed, 8" by 10", titled on reverse "Among the Chino Hills", signed there and at lower right "L. Morrill R.", and dated 1930. The Chino Hills are outer suburban areas east of Los Angeles, now largely residential areas with excellent views. This early view shows a more wild untamed landscape in the blond golden California light. The palette is very light and gives an impression of the bright intense light for which Southern California is so well known. The full writ...

PAIR of gouache paintings, one 10" by 10 1/2", the other 11 1/4" by 10 1/2" (21" by 20" and 19 1/2" by 19 1/2" as identically framed in birdseye maple), each bearing a placard, one work identified as "House in Saratoga Springs", the other "Band Stand at Kinderhook". The placards also include "Courtesy of Standard Oil of New Jersey". These drawings are very fresh and clean and along with their attractive quality frames are ready for the wall. The artist, HELEN FEDERICO (1921-2012) had a long c...

Large painting of a protest at night in front of an official building, 44" by 31" (50" by 37" framed), unsigned. This is a French work that is most certainly by a listed artist, but he/she remains anonymous. The complexity of the foreground and details of the facade are indications of the skill of the artist. The painting is of a large and impressive size, and would make a decorative addition to a traditional interior. The condition is good overall, with a small area of unrepaired loss as sh...

A strong pencil on paper self portrait in caricature style, 8 1/2" by 7" (14 1/4" by 10 1/4" framed), signed at lower center by the noted German painter and author, JOACHIM RINGELNATZ (1883-1934). The self-mocking profile drawing shows the distinctive nose and hair shock, both featured in a 1983 German 50 Pfennig postage stamp, a canceled example of which has been taped to the glass at lower right by a previous owner of the drawing. A word that looks something like "Nordegg" appears at right i...

Gouache on paper painting of an idyllic tropical scene in Asia, vegetation towering above a central thatched hut, six figures in the foreground and a grazing water buffalo at lower right, signed at lower left J. P. Geoffory-Dechaume and dated there 58. The painting measures 19 3/4" by 24" and is in a black strip frame with faux bamboo pattern. Most likely the scene pictured is in Southeast Asia but we do not know where. Research to date has not turned up a listed artist by this name, though a...

Highly decorative pochoir print, circa 1920's, of children flying balloons against a gold sky, 9" by 7", 18" by 16" in playful bright red frame. This is likely an illustration for a children's book of the period. Condition is excellent. The frame has some scratches at top and left that could likely be minimized. The mat is a creamy color with pattern and consistency somewhat resembling that of a paper towel. Ideal for a child's room.

Chromolithograph late 19th century print after a work by the noted German landscape artist THEODORE WEBER (1838-1907), the scene of the Italian coast, figures walking up a hillside road leading away from the sea, an ancient church steeple at left. The piece measures 18 3/4" by 12 1/2" inside the old mat, 28" by 21" in old gold frame, which shows its age with various chips and losses. Weber's oils and watercolors sell to about the $10,000 level at auctions. His style was finely detailed and ac...

Etching on paper, the sheet 6 3/4" by 9", 12 1/4" by 14 1/2" framed, the subject a group of children floating playfully on a makeshift raft, pencil signed at lower right by noted English artist and illustrator, author and poet EILEEN SOPER (1905-1990). The work is titled, I believe, "Voyage of Discovery". Eileen was the daughter of artist George Soper. By 1920 she had submitted work to the Print Makers of California, and it was chosen for exhibition. Soper joined the Royal Academy in 1921, a...

Three small watercolor paintings of classic scenes of Japan, two signed by artist "Kyo" or similar, each measuring 6 1/4" by 2 7/8". The three are mounted together and framed as one (measuring 13" by 20 1/2"). One painting is of a peaceful village scene; one of a small platform with lanterns; and one of a torii gate. These likely date to the early years of the 20th century. Condition is excellent. The frame has some beading loss, especially at lower left. I have one of the missing pieces ...

Circa 1940's oil on canvas floral still life painting, 24" by 30", signed at lower right Helen Hayes. This is a competently painted work that has seen some neglect. Sold in as-is condition, since the bottom roughly five inches, as shown in the photos, has significant pinpoint losses. Each is small but the overall effect is almost as if someone dipped the painting in water, leaving a "bathtub ring". Study the photos carefully. Could be restored or if you are a restorer and can do it yoursel...

A watercolor with white gouache of a barn and another structure on an overcast, gray, snowy day, an old buckboard wagon at right center, the work signed below the mat GENE R DREW. I do not see a listing for the artist, who likely painted this around the year 1970 judging from the framing and non-glare type glass (which will be discarded before shipping). The piece, on Crescent art board, measures 18 3/4" by 25" inside the mat, and 25" by 31" in worn dark oak framing. The scene is poetic and p...

Etching, 8 3/4" by 7" inside the mat, 14 1/4" by 12 3/4" framed, pencil signed at lower right margin, by the famous French artist, JEAN-FRANCOIS RAFFAELLI (1850-1924). This image of a building along a road, with small figures, is an example of the poetic impressionist style of his later period. Raffaelli found the common, the poor, the working class, and the underprivileged people of Paris and its industrial suburbs to be his favorite subjects, leading some to call him the "Millet of Paris". He...

PAIR of copper engravings by the early Flemish artist JOHANNES STRADANUS (also known as Johannes van der Straet), born 1523, died 1605. Each measures 8" by 10 1/2" (16" by 18" in identical silvery contemporary frames). One image is titled "Staphae, Sive Stapedes", the other "Ser Sive Sericus Vermis". These works date to about the year 1590 or 1591. They are numbered 8 and 9, part of Nova Reperta, a series of 20 images that illustrated important discoveries of the Renaissance. Philip Galle t...

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 hand colored lithograph of the species Ramphomicron ruficeps, (the Red-capped Thorn-Bill hummingbird), drawn by the famous 19th century English naturalist, ornithologist and natural history illustrator JOHN GOULD. The species is found in the lowland jungles of Bolivia. Gould's prints of hummingbirds are most likely his most popular, but over a period of many years, especially in the 1830's and 1840's, he produced a number of major works on the birds of various geographic regions of the...