A color lithograph print, circa 1930 I believe, pencil signed at lower left margin and with printed signature in the margin at right, by the noted Israeli artist ABEL PANN (1883-1963). The subject is a group of primitively-dressed people near a knoll by a body of water surrounded by trees and hills; the central figure seems to be playing a lute in this poetic, Arcadian place. The print may possibly be from the artist's "Bible" series of 1930. Pann was born in Latvia or Belarus...

Oil on masonite painting of a small adobe structure in a landscape, 11" by 14" and narrow frame, signed in green at lower left corner "Clapp". The work is impressionistic, and the subject suggestive of New Mexico. I checked with an authority on the works of Canadian/California artist William Henry Clapp (1879-1954) to see if he thought this might be by that artist, which would enhance its value significantly...

Painting on canvas of urban skyline with foreground boats, painted in modern and stylish grays, black, white and red, signed at lower right "LF Mark" or similar. The piece, in strip typical late sixties or early seventies frame, measures 18 1/2" by 26". Condition is very good save for a small puncture at lower left that actually blends in with the design and is not all that easy to find. Frame at left and lower right is also ever so slightly askew...

A familiar scene that brings back fond memories to travelers who have experienced the pleasures of browsing the famous bouquiniste bookstalls along the Seine River in the heart of Paris---Notre Dame dominates the background, while a lively scene transpires, with a yellow-shirted artist and his easel at left, and a mother and her impatient young child at right, leafy trees framing the activity. The work is on canvas and measures 9" by 10 3/4" (15" by 16 1/2" framed)...

This is an original painting in gouache on paper, 23 3/4" by 23 3/4" square, in a narrow metal frame, apparently by an unlisted artist named Gertmenian. This is an Armenian name, and the painting was found in Los Angeles, where there is a large Armenian population. If you're seeking an eye-dazzler of a painting that contains strong primary colors, consider this decorative art...

A rarely seen hand signed (ball point pen, lower right margin) poster printed to publicize the 1992 Taos Arts Festival, the poster featuring a painting of the Taos Pueblo against snow capped mountains, western horses in the foreground. The piece measures 27" by 20 1/2" as framed (no glass). ILA MAE McAFEE (1897-1995) was an American painter, muralist, illustrator and author born in or near Gunnison, Colorado...

Chalk and charcoal drawing on brown paper, 23 3/4" by 17 3/4", unsigned, in old frame on which is written "ADELE WATSON Ex. Coll. Pasadena Art Inst.". This is a skillfully executed portrait of a seated young woman. There is a bit of red color in the pot at her feet, in the collar area, and in her face, to go along with the white and black chalk...

An example of the desirable original Currier & Ives lithograph print of 1864, "The U.S. Sloop of War 'Kearsarge' 7 Guns, Sinking the Pirate "Alabama" 8 Guns, measuring 9 1/2" by 12 1/2", plus gray 20th century frame about 5/8" wide. There is hand coloring of the blue sea, blue of the flag, and a little yellow and pink hue in the explosion on the foreground ship...

Watercolor on paper painting of the famous belfry towers and facade of the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana, possibly signed at lower right (illegible), 10 1/4" by 7 1/2" inside the mat, 16" by 10" framed, circa 1960's or 1970's I believe. The work is framed in an old, beveled dark oak quality frame that likely considerably pre-dates the art. When framed, someone wrote the title "St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans" on the mat below the image...

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...

(**One of two works by the artist in my shop**). Unlike most commonly seen works by this artist, which are actually serigraph prints, this is an original oil on canvas painting, measuring 34" by 18" (unframed). The scene, which could be described as a floral fantasy, incorporating at least two human heads floating within the composition, is rather typical of the work of the artist, HERMANN DIETRICH (1916-2003)...

Oil on canvas still life painting in a very minimal modernist style, with lots of white background giving the painting a very contemporary, airy feel, 18" by 24", in strip frame, signed in pencil somewhat illegibly at lower right. The signature appears to start with "Sarah" or "Sarai", the last name likely beginning with a "T". Painting is in fine condition overall though I note several small smudges at lower center. Judging from the quality of this minimalist image I would think the artist t...

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...

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. By 1928 he had settled in North Hollywood and was creating prints, pen and ink drawin...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 watercolor " The Great Mill Petaluma CA" 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7" by 8" matt 12" by 15"

If you're looking for an Asian accent piece for your interior, consider this oil on canvasboard, 23 5/8" by 17 5/8" (a little over 31" by 25" as framed), signed at lower right "Bill Parrish" (or Perrish, or Porrish), not dated but likely mid century from late 1940's to early 1960's, the subject a young Chinese woman in traditional colorful costume, with what I believe is an important Chinese character for something important like "life", "luck", etc. at upper right background. I do not see a li...

A small, beautifully crafted oil on canvasboard landscape titled on reverse "Abandoned Farm Santa Clara River", dated June 1999, signed at lower right and again on the reverse, and with artist's business card affixed as well. The painting measures 8" by 10" and 11 1/2" by 13 1/2" in wood frame with liner. Condition is excellent. The artist was born in Pennsylvania and has been in Southern California for most of his life, with much of his subject matter taken from the Oxnard and Ventura area. ...

A beautiful pencil drawing of human hands, likely 19th century, measuring 4 1/2" by 5 1/2" inside the ornate French mat, 10 1/4" by 11 1/4" as framed in gilt closed corner framing. There is a little wear in the corners of the frame but the overall look with mat and frame is upscale. I very carefully opened the backing (with its English "Stephanie Hoppen" circular label and 150 British Pounds original price in ink), and found no further information inside or on the reverse, as to authorship, th...

Watercolor on paper painting of a classic stone castle with figures outside its portals, 14" by 10 1/2" (26 1/2" by 23" as framed), apparently unsigned. This is a circa 1850 work which has survived in presentable condition. There is foxing in the sky principally, as shown, but no large stains. To be sure, there were a lot of anonymous skilled watercolor artists in the British Isles in the 19th century, though this might well have been created by an artist that would be "listed" today.

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. Franck was born i...

A typical example of watercolor work by the noted New Orleans artist NESTOR FRUGE (1916-2011), 10 1/2" by 8 1/4" (17 1/4" by 13 1/4" framed), featuring a a New Orleans street scene with ornate cast iron balcony at upper right. Fruge painted mostly watercolors and was a familiar and beloved part of the Jackson Square tourist scene in New Orleans for decades. He painted mainly French Quarter scenes but also on occasion works such as bayou swamp landscape. Fruge's art traveled home with innumerable...

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 ...

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. Due to the fuzziness of the imagery itself, t...

Wood engraving on paper, 11" by 15 3/4", 15 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed,titled at bottom "HOME FROM THE WAR", by the famed American artist WINSLOW HOMER (1836-1910). The image was published on June 13, 1863. This is a classic example of Homer's Civil War period wood engravings in Harper's Weekly newspaper, which was one of the most avidly followed periodicals in a now unimaginable age when electronic media did not exist. Newshounds of that age who wanted to follow the events of the unfolding Civil Wa...

Oil on canvas painting of fruits, bottles and other objects, painted in a highly impressionist style, 12" by 16", unframed. The painting bears a signature "G d E" at lower right, added later (very obviously "floats"---dark under UV light) for French artist Georges d'Espagnat (1870-1950). So we have here a likely American painting, I think circa 1950's or so, that is very nicely done and quite decorative. There's very small paint loss at lower edge from past frame abrasion. Canvas is not perf...

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.

Banksy is world-renowned for graffiti art with political themes and dark humor. His spontaneously-appearing works are found on walls, and bridges in many nations, and his art has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon, genuine paintings and prints bringing very large sums at auction. This work, on canvas, unframed, measures 8" by 24", is not a genuine work of the artist, but could be said to be in his style. Very contemporary in feeling, we see a heart at left with a figure with spiked hair a...

India ink on card drawing of a Spanish-California style home, the card 8" by 13 1/2", (plus surrounding simple mat, no glass/frame, hinged at top edge inside the mat), signed on reverse and dated mid-1922, by listed artist CHARLES VOORHIES (1901-1970). Note the 1922 rubber stamps on the back showing this was created at the University of California Architectural Dept., (Berkeley), in that year, while the artist was just a student. Voorhies was born in Portland, Oregon. He studied architecture at...

An original, vintage 1987 poster for the National Gallery of Art's 1987-1988 exhibition of the works of famed American modernist artist GEORGIA O'KEEFFE (1887-1986). The offset poster measures 40" by 25 1/2" as framed. Condition is very good, with only a slight damp stain at lower right margin area. O'Keeffe is today one of the most popular American artists. Her modernist works of New York and the American Southwest can bring many millions of dollars at auction. This image is of New York's ...

Ink and watercolor drawing of cows in a field, 13 1/2" by 21 1/2" (20 1/2" by 29" framed), signed at lower center "Sam Smith" The modeling of the animals shows that the artist was a keen observer of their forms and a talented draftsman. Apparently this is not by the listed New Mexico artist Sam Smith (1918-1999) as the signature is not similar and the work itself does not resemble that artist's work. This watercolor is in excellent, fresh, clean condition, the paper very white.

A contemporary original watercolor painting dated 2009, the subject very much a fantasy summary of the Peruvian Andes----including whitewashed old colonial buildings and stone foot bridges, traditional garb, bowler-hat wearing women carrying their babies on their backs, and the quintessential llamas of the region. The work, measuring 9 1/2" by 13 1/2" (20" by 24" in interesting dark faux bamboo frame) is signed at lower right "E Garces '09/Cusco Peru". No doubt this piece came to the US in the...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 colored ink Petaluma CA 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7.5" by 10" matt 12.25" by 14.75"

An original 17th century etching, "God Appears to Moses in the Burning Bush", plate 30 from the well-known series of 52 published in 1615 in Rome by Giovanni Giacomo Rossi, the artist being ORAZIO BORGIANNI (1578-1616). These works are after the frescoes by Raphael on the second floor of the Apostolic Church in the Vatican. Borgianni, a Baroque painter who adopted the style of Caravaggio after settling in Rome in 1604, turned to etching in the final years of his short life. The work is signed in...

Antique (19th century) hand-colored print of flowers, possibly columbine among them, in a contemporary gold frame with contemporary expensive hand-drawn "French panel" mat. The print and mat and frame are in exceptional, wall-ready condition. Measurements 9 1/4" by 7 1/4" (19" by 17" framed). See other botanical prints in my shop. Allow for a number of reflections in the glass in some images.

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 ...

Oil on canvas painting of the arcaded breezeways at the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California, 8" by 10", unframed, signed with initials at lower right and possibly again by the artist on the reverse. In addition there is an original old slip of paper giving the artist's biography. Schmidt was born in Gladbeck, Westphalia, Germany after the end of World War I. By age 15 he was already receiving art instruction. Today he is best known for his detailed works of historical b...

This is a nineteenth century European painting facsimile, consisting of hand coloring over a photo-mechanical print, the finished product quite convincing and possessing considerable decorative value. The work measures 10" by 7 3/4" (16" by 13" framed). The name of the artist who created the original painting from which this was derived appears in red at lower right, the name "Marqueta" or similar. These facsimiles of oil paintings can fool even some gallery and auction house personnel if the...

Oil on canvas painting, unsigned, contemporary, unframed, 24" by 36", executed in retro 1960's and 1970's colors: olive, powder blue, orange, white. If your interior is modern and skewing towards the "Pan Am" days, then this will surely please. It has a few light scuffs and soiling that might be removable with light soapy water--see photos.

A contemporary-looking poster in cool blue and white, for the 1987 exhibition at the Hunsaker/Schlesinger Gallery (Santa Monica), of the works of California contemporary artist GREGORY KONDOS (1923-2021). The artist has dedicated the "Beach Day" poster "For Chuck" and signed in pencil and dated 1987, at lower right. Kondos was born in Lynn, Massachusetts near Boston, to Greek parents. He moved to Sacramento in 1927 with the family and showed early art talent, taking classes in Sacramento whic...

A black and white photograph of one of the most famous of the French chateaux, the Chateau de Chenonceau on the River Cher in France's Loire Valley, the work signed at lower right margin in ink with what appears as "D. Esicaud/Tours". Tours is a city in the region. The piece measures 18" by 14" and 23 1/2" by 19 3/4" as framed. Condition is excellent. The castle dates to the early 1500's and is a major site on the tourist circuit of France.

This is an image of a young African-American boy grinning while leaning against a building, the image mounted on a board signed by the photographer, Arthur S. Little. After googling the name I find that around the late 'teens and early twenties, there was a photographer in Los Angeles and Ventura by that name, though he does not seem to have had a high profile. I do not believe that this is an original photograph. The item is in good condition. The image itself measures 9 1/4" by 7", and the...

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...

Original lithograph print, sheet 14 7/8" by 11", simply framed (removed from frame for photography), unsigned, titled "Diego" (the brother of Alberto), circa 1961. The backing board bears an early 1960's label from the east coast store "Korvette art gallery", on which is written the artist name, title, medium, and the notation "from Behind The Mirror" Maeght Paris. On the reverse of the paper is printing in French. See photos. The work is clean and undamaged from the front though it was tap...

This is an unsigned, unframed, double-sided watercolor on heavy watercolor paper, 14 1/2" by 10 1/4", one side featuring a partially nude woman with arms behind her head, a decorative flowered textile of some sort covering the lower portion of her body; the other side features an outdoor amphitheater nighttime performance---perhaps, it has been suggested, the Hollywood Bowl. The vintage piece was acquired from a large collection of art that came from the estate of Brooks Pettus (1918-2003). Tho...

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...

Found in Connecticut, this beautifully drawn still life features poinsettia in a blue and white vase, other props including a Greek or Russian icon, a book and a plate, the work signed at lower right by artist Charlotte Newton. There is an askart listing for an artist of that name, born in Missouri in 1839, a resident of Los Angeles by 1880, who passed away in 1914. The presence of the poinsettia leads me to believe that this might well be a work by this California artist, but it is difficult...

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. The artist has really done an especially impressive job at depicting the towering peak, arguably ...

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. This example appears to have ...

Small gouache on paper painting of famous Mount Vesuvius volcano towering over Italy's Bay of Naples as it emits puffs of smoke, 6" by 8 3/8" inside the mat, 11 1/4" by 13 1/4" in inexpensive modern framing, unsigned. This is quite possibly or even likely a work of the artist Giuseppe Corelli (1858-1925); compare to another, signed work by that name in my shop. The stillness of the scene, and the handling of the haze and reflection, especially the vertical, long reflection of the boat, is cert...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 colored ink Petaluma CA 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7.5" by 10" matt 12.25" by 14.75"

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 ...

Nineteenth century print of a scene including palace and figures strolling, titled in white gouache (by hand) "Florence" at lower center, the color throughout hand applied by a talented artist. This very nearly resembles a drawing rather than a print. Measurements 6 1/4" by 9 1/2" (14" by 18 3/4" in wood frame). The print was trimmed tight to the margin, then laid on a neutral gray/green background, and a white border was then hand applied. All in all a very nice print of traditional subject...

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...

Ideal additions to a child's room, these three colorful original paintings, each 8" by 10", unframed, are fine examples of naive or "primitive" art from Haiti. Each is signed by artist "E Maxime". The fantasy landscapes of wild animals surrounded by tropical vegetation of a wide array of vivid colors and unusual shapes are bound to stimulate a child's imagination. But if you are an adult and you also find the color and composition fascinating, you will not be alone. Haitian art is very popul...

Oil on canvas, 27 1/2" by 22 1/2" (36" by 30" as framed), the subject a young man wearing a colorful bandana, intently working on some objects in his hands, a traditional ethnic mask in the upper right background. The painting is signed in red at lower right "S. C. YUAN", (1911-1974), who was an important Chinese-American artist from the Monterey, California area, however, this is definitely NOT a work of that well-known artist (I showed images to several auction houses and a gallery or two). ...

Watercolor and gouache impressionist painting of the Dead Sea in Israel, signed in pencil at lower right in modern Hebrew script as "Hana Bar(-on)" or "Chana Bar(-on) and dated there 1970. Below that in Hebrew is written "iam hamelach" (Dead Sea). I am not able to read Hebrew but was able to show this to a Hebrew reader. The work measures 13 1/2" by 19 1/4", and is presently unframed. It can be shipped between boards or in the plastic poster box in which it is presently loosely housed. Ther...

A very pretty impressionist work that appears to show spindly eucalyptus-like trees in a hazy landscape, some small red tile roofs suggesting this could be California or possibly Mediterranean Europe. The piece is signed at lower right "J R HUPPI" or similar. It measures 9" by 12" (canvas laid on board) and 16" by 19" as framed. There is a Salt Lake City framers or gallery stamp on the frame ("Tivoli Gallery"). A light cleaning to remove some yellowed varnish would be beneficial. Found in S...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 watercolor " The Great Mill Petaluma CA" 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7" by 4" matt 12" by 15"

Oil on canvas, 12" by 15 3/4", unframed and unsigned, the subject a pensive figure, likely a male, seated on a breezy patio with French doors, curtains and a Paris-style small cafe table and chairs, a tea or coffee service on the table. The anonymous artist created a very appealing, contemporary little work, with impressive impressionist technique. The painting is in excellent condition with just a bit of stretcher bar show-through at top. A silvery frame would complement the painting; it wou...

A contemporary impressionist landscape of the hills of Texas in the spring when the famous bluebonnet bloom, signed at lower left by artist "Julienne". This is a work of a talented artist, the signature of whom might well be a take-off on the famous and important Texas bluebonnet artist Julian Onderdonk (1882-1922); conversely, the artist may just happen to be named "Julienne". The undulating landscape is quite green, and the bluebonnet in the foreground carpet the ground, so the season is lik...