Portrait of a Woman Wearing a Painted Miniature Brooch

Oil-on-canvas, unsigned

Mid 19th Century

Painting: 20 ¼” x 16 ½”
Frame: 24 ¼” x 201/4”

Three oil still life works on canvas by the same hand, each signed "G. Gillson", circa late 20th century, all painted in an earlier style. Measurements are 12" by 16" and 9" by 12", and frames 1 3/4" wide on a side. I do not see a listing for an artist by this name. These are nicely painted and will complement your traditional interior. The dark, wood frames have some scratches and you might want to replace them with gold, which would dramatically improve the overall presentation...

A pastel on paper drawing of an urban alleyway with whitewashed structure and tiled roof, possibly in Mexico or other Latin country, signed at lower right by American artist "Dave M....", or similar. The work measures 14 1/2" by 10 3/4" inside the mat and 21" by 16" as framed. The artist has taken an everyday kind of scene and transformed it into a work of art. The art is in excellent condition as are the frame and mat.

A beautifully executed pencil, sepia chalk and white highlights drawing of a young woman, her arms crossed in front of her, signed at bottom and dated there 2004 by the noted Southern California contemporary artist JOHN BROWNFIELD. The measurements are 21 1/2" by 17 1/2" as framed, the mat window 14" by 10 3/4". A look at the drawing evokes the words "Old Master drawing". The artist, hailing from Illinois, showed early talent for art and was encouraged...

An unusual painting that could be described as an allegory of all that is southwestern: oil on canvas, 24" by 20", 30" by 26" in interesting wood frame, signed at lower right "Martin", and with further ink notation on stretcher "Navajo 1981". The artist appears to be Jean Martin, 1924-2011. Martin was born in Massachusetts and educated there in art...

A very interesting etching of what appears to be Paris' Montmartre section, (the windmill a famous feature, painted by many artists), signed in pencil in the lower right margin "B. Vilard". Surprisingly I do not see a listing for an artist by this name---could possibly be a pen name.. The work measures 8 1/2" by 11" inside the mat and 13 3/4" by 16 1/4" framed. It is very clean and fresh, despite likely dating to the first half of the 20th century. Note the subtle blue/brown colors.

Something of a mystery piece......a black and white photo, 12 5/8" by 11" including thin margins on three sides, (in a temporary protective-only frame), unsigned and unattributed, in a frame which bears old Christie's Los Angeles photo department sale and lot information that does not correspond with the image (I checked with Christie's photographs dept). The image of the moving train is in black and white though there is a hint of a pink/violet tint in a portion of the train sides...

A circa 1868 albumen photo on thin paper, 9 3/4" by 7 1/2" inside the mat and 19" by 15 1/4" framed, with the blind stamp at lower left of noted early Italian photographer GIACOMO BROGI (1822-1881). The subject is identified at bottom edge in the image, as "Gerusalemme" (Jerusalem) and is assigned reference number 4019 there. This is a view of the so-called "Golden Gate", the oldest of the gates in the walls surrounding Old Jerusalem...

A circa 1960's vintage oil on Masonite painting, 30" by 18" (36 1/2" by 24 1/2" as framed), unsigned, the subject a peaceful creek or marsh land area in late autumn, one tree in full autumnal colors. This is a very nicely painted work, which could benefit from a light cleaning, but you would not have to have that done. Condition is excellent, frame has a bit of wear consistent with age. The artist handled the light and reflections beautifully.

This is a truly antique work, an oil on canvas unframed painting, 24 1/2" by 30", relined in the mid 20th century, apparently unsigned, the subject elegant ladies in a formal, upper class interior setting, the piece likely English or Northern European, possibly but I think far less likely American...

A colorful image of an idyllic tropical beach ringed by coconut palms and bordered by emerald green water, signed at lower right by contemporary San Diego artist Vonda Velasquez. The work, mixed media on heavy paper (gouache and maybe oil?) measures 13 3/4" by 21 1/2" (24" by 31" in matching blue-green frame) and is signed at lower right and the artist's business card is affixed on the backing paper. The work is clean, frame is in good condition.

A watercolor of a lighthouse on the Maine coast, 9" by 13" (15" by 19" in wood frame), signed at lower right by artist Donna Sabaka (1946-). On the reverse is written "The Nubble Light"/York/Cape Neddick, Me.". The artist signed again there and wrote "Kennebunkport, Me. 1986". The lighthouse is in the extreme southern portion of Maine, in the heavily visited coastal strip of that state---a large tourist draw in summer...

A circa 1940's restrike print of the popular ice skating scene from "American Winter Scenes" series, measuring 17" by 23 3/4" inside the mat and 23 3/4" by 30 1/2" framed. The title was evidently cut off from central bottom portion at one point and was then affixed to reverse side. Coloring is in the print most likely and not hand coloring. Retains old brown framer's label of "The Brown Shop", a mid-century Pasadena, California art and frame shop...

A group of 18 unframed pencil drawings, all landscape, signed by noted Southern California artist LEONARD SCHEU (1904-1995). The drawings are titled: Bridge Amsterdam; Roman Wall Tower of London 200 AD; Amsterdam; St. Peters, Salzburg; Amsterdam; Old House Schoenwald Germany; Quebec; Bern (Switzerland); Cathedral Door Granada; Victoria (Canada). Evidently, the artist was an avid traveler...

A vintage mid 20th century watercolor painting of a sun-washed Mediterranean village including white church, red roofed buildings and mule-drawn cart, signed at lower left by artist "Costi" (or similar). The work measures 13" by 9 3/4" (19 1/2" by 16 1/2" in attractive silvery frame). Watercolor and frame are in excellent condition.

A serigraph print of three dimensional shapes in the style of 1960's "Op Art", hand signed at lower right by artist Martha Jacobsen and titled at lower left "Sea Dream". The work to the unaided eye appears to be an original drawing but magnification reveals the tell-tale clues to the silkscreen process. The black paper sheet measures 27 1/2" by 21 1/2" and is unframed (there is 1/8" Plexi sheet that protects it)...

A really superb item for the Mid Century collector: silkscreen print titled lower left "Fortress" and numbered there 22/25, and signed at lower right and dated 1968 by the noted English modern artist and art educator IAN TYSON (1933-2021). The colors are vibrant, the work clean, though there is an even rippling of the paper throughout the margins. Tyson was born in Cheshire and studied at the Birkenhead School of Art and at the Royal Academy schools...

NOT A PRINT, this is an original, hand-drawn sepia ink and watercolor on paper drawing, titled at lower center "Plumeria Tricolor". Further writing in a quaint nineteenth century hand reads "A tree 30 ft. high" and "Pint. Mono. (Montego Bay??) Jamaica x gardens of Peru x N.O. Apocyness". On the reverse of the 20th century cardboard backing is an old printed label stating that this (these, as there were originally a large group apparently) is an original watercolor of "African" flowers done in ...

A well executed oil on wood panel still life of yellow roses, green grapes, goblets, glasses, decanter and candle stick on a table cloth, signed illegibly at lower right (appears as "Hans Meh...." or similar), circa 1890. The work measures 21 1/2" by 28" and the panel is 1/2" in thickness. The signature certainly appears to be European. I have tried and tried again to make it out but have not succeeded. It might well be German, or even Hungarian I am thinking, there being a strong tradition ...

Oil on board painting of a sunny street scene in southern Italy, a central figure walking towards the viewer and others going about their business including washing clothes. The painting, signed at lower left "Pasini", measures 17 1/2" by 11 1/2" (21 1/2" by 15 1/2" in attractive old gold framing). The work likely dates to about 1900 or 1910. There is a light accumulated soiling and yellowed varnish that would make a cleaning well worth the investment. Pasini was known for his genre and land...

A nicely painted oil on canvas still life of flowers in a Chinese vase or pot, balancing between trompe l'oeil realism and impressionism, signed at lower left by artist ELIZABETH CAMPBELL. This is a contemporary work, likely less than thirty years old, measuring 28" by 22" (33 1/2" by 27 1/2" framed). There is a listing by this name but I do not believe it to be the same artist. Condition is excellent save for a small scuff at upper left.

A late 20th century intricate painting of the Indo-Persian, Mughal School, sometimes referred to as Indian Persian, measuring 10" by 6" including margins (12" by 8" in the ornately patterned style of frame that often accompanies such works). The painting is in excellent condition, though old water intrusion at upper and lower left has left dampstains. A mat with curving, oval shape would hide this. Frame is delaminating at left edge and extreme top left corner shows some loss. Frame has supp...

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. The print being over 150 years old has inevitably acquired a number of the faults to which Curriers are prone, including overall ...

A contemporary watercolor painting "Mirror Lake/Yosemite National Park", signed at lower right by Southern California artist Marcia L. Litchfield. The 20" by 14" watercolor (30 1/2" by 25" framed) features a look into the famous valley in late spring, when snow patches remain on the mountainside. The work is nicely done. Oak frame has a small bit of wear, and the Plexiglas is rubbed/scratched so may have to be replaced. The artist's business card, from Acton, California, is affixed to the ba...

Pencil signed etching, 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" inside the mat, 15 1/4" by 12 1/4" as framed, titled at lower left "The Arts and Crafts Courtyard", (and edition number there given as "100"), the subject the famed and often painted Brulatour Courtyard in the French Quarter, by the well listed Arizona and southwestern painter and art educator GERRY PEIRCE (1900-1969). Peirce was born in upstate New York and educated at the Art Students League and the Cleveland School of Art. Evidently he kept heading we...

A wood engraving, late 19th century, titled at bottom center "The Yosemite Valley, California", the image a breathtaking panorama of the waterfalls and sheer cliffs of the world-renowned natural wonder, set off by foreground trees and rocky ledges. Although the vintage print is perhaps not an actual Harper's Weekly work, it is in that vein and style. Not examined out of the frame, which is an attractive dark distressed burl wood or quality wood simulation. There is a very subtle hand coloring...

Oil on canvasboard painting of gulls flying above the waves, the stern of a boat at left, 12" by 16", (17" by 21 1/2" framed), signed in ink on reverse ("Painted by Edith Fite"/XXX Magee 1951"). The scene reminds of how hungry gulls loyally follow the back end of a fishing boat. I have not located information on the artist. The painting could well benefit from a cleaning after about 70 years.

Oil on wood panel painting of a Dutch city scene, painted in the 19th century style of artists such as Cornelius Springer, the work 16" by 20" (24" by 28" as nicely framed), signed at lower left "Shone". The work is contemporary though the artist was obviously familiar with the meticulous style of the earlier artists. Painting and frame are in excellent condition.

A large watercolor on paper on panel painting of a classical mountain landscape, dated in Chinese 1980 at upper left (and likely signed there, I cannot read calligraphy), the work measuring 32" by 22 1/2" (the entire panel 40 1/2" by 30 1/2" with metal frame, loose/no glass). The artist was obviously familiar with centuries of Chinese classical landscapes. There is light wear in several places but nothing serious. The work is loose within the frame and can be shipped with or without it.

A striking, traditional, antique, oil on old oak panel painting, with even an Old Master feel, the painting itself 13 1/4" by 15 3/4" (34.3 cm. by 41.3 cm), the scene a landscape dominated by a placid large white dray-type horse (painted with extraordinary sensitivity and skill), a goat at left foreground, and resting cattle in the distance, the remainder of the composition dominated by a sky filled with beautiful clouds, and classic willow trees at right. The painting is indistinctly signed at...

When I first saw this piece, it screamed to me "Picasso". The 11 1/2" by 7 1/2" work is not signed, but the style, the slight glaze on the baked clay surface, the decoration, is suggestive of the ceramic Madoura works of Picasso. The item weighs just shy of three pounds. Condition is excellent.

A floral still life painting on pebbled paper, 14 1/2" by 10 1/4" inside the mat, 19" by 15" as nicely framed (no glass). The work bears signature "Montezin" at lower left but I have researched the piece and it is not by the noted French artist. It is offered solely on its decorative qualities. There are light folds in the paper at top but they are not really a concern.

A very pretty contemporary oil on canvas landscape of trees, a cluster of pink flowers in the left foreground, signed at lower right by California Art Club associate member DULCIE ADAMS. Biographical information seems to be lacking on this obviously talented artist. The work measures 18" by 24" (26 1/2" by 32" nicely framed). Painting is in excellent condition; linen liner has a small stain that could probably be removed.

A most interesting circa 1960's work featuring a group of older, mostly one story buildings in a town, those buildings apparently of stone, judging from the earthy colors. A dark blue sky elegantly sets off the earth tones, making for an interesting play of light and color. Brush strokes are vigorous and sure. The painting is oil on canvasboard, measuring 9" by 13" (12 3/4" by 16 1/2" framed), signed with initials that could be "CB" at lower right. On the reverse is written "Bloom" but this ...

A typically colorful painting from Haiti, featuring female figures carrying loads of fruit on baskets balanced on their heads, against a mysterious deep green background landscape. The painting is signed at lower right "Xavier B./Haiti/2000". Measurements are 25" by 21" as framed in white wood. Canvas is slightly rippled, there are a few hairline crack marks in the legs of several figures, but nothing that is bothersome at normal viewing distance. Canvas is of an inexpensive type often used ...

An old watercolor on paper laid on board painting of old buildings, with a view to open water beyond the narrow lane. The work is signed with initials "MC" or "ME" at lower left but there is no other information. The watercolor measures 11 1/2" by 9" inside the mat and 18 1/2" by 16" as framed. There is old wood slat backing remaining. This might well be a scene of old England, perhaps Cornwall, but it is really hard to say more as to the locale portrayed. It is a picturesque and timeless s...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a dirt road through a pine woodland, signed at lower right by artist ADDIE SYLVESTER. On the reverse side it is titled "Deep in the Heart of Texas", signed again and dated 1950. I do not see information on the artist. Curiously there was a woman by that name who passed away in 1989 in Manhattan, Kansas area; on the backing paper, most of a label is missing, but the remaining letters of what would be the town in the address are "MAN...". There may or may not be ...

Oil on canvas painting of white and pink roses in a blue bowl, signed at lower right "Strachan". The work, measuring 18" by 24" and 23" by 28 1/2" in likely original frame, has tiny losses in background and lower left area. The frame also has light wear, and losses on back of left edge. Overall, a very shabby chic piece in feeling. There is an old Los Angeles framer's sticker on reverse backing.

Oil on canvas painting of a farmer by a water pump in an open field, two dray horses at center and left slaking their thirst. The work measures 11" by 12" and 15 1/2" by 16 1/2" in frame that may well be the original. The painting is signed faintly yet distinctly at lower left corner "S.S.C.", which is one of the known signatures of American artist SAMUEL SIMPSON CARR (1837-1908). Other known signatures include "S.S. CARR" and "S. CARR". Carr was born in England and for a time studied at the ...

A PAIR of watercolor paintings framed as one, in black and white, each signed lower corner "CC" or "LL", likely late 19th century or early 20th. Each measures 2 1/4" by 3 1/4" (12 1/2" by 9" as framed). There is no information inside on the identity of the talented artist. Silvery frame and hand drawn mat makes for a very elegant little piece.

A most unusual painting on wood panel, 24" by 30", unframed, featuring some gritty, tough-looking downtown Los Angeles men in a claustrophobic, vertiginous streetscape of old hotel buildings. The Hotel Rosslyn and annex were built in 1914 and 1923, respectively, and were fashionable places to stay, in their day, at Fifth and Main in old downtown. The medium used is likely casein or other non-oil, water-based paint. The painting takes from older Social Realist painting and murals of the early ...

An American oil on panel painting, unsigned, likely circa 1920, unframed, featuring a landscape including a lake, some distant low mountains, and yellowing foliage in foreground suggesting autumn as the season. The piece measures 14" by 22". Surface is dirty---could really use a cleaning/varnish---and there is paint chipping along left, top, and bottom edges, as well as a small loss at left center in the foliage. Needs some TLC but the essentials are all there. On reverse is written "(May?) ...

A lithograph titled in pencil in margin at lower left "Algerian Caravan", and pencil signed and numbered at lower right margin, by the noted western Michigan (Muskegon area) artist WILFRED "WALLY" BERG (1908-2002). Measurements are 15 1/2" by 19 1/2". The complex image features a caravan of camels and burros, led by their handlers, descending a steep mountain trail to a valley in Algeria, where the artist served during the Second World War. Berg was born in Muskegon, the second oldest of 11 ch...

A beautifully executed watercolor painting of a proper Victorian lady in her fine parlor, her chair and small table sitting on a bear skin rug. The work is unfortunately unsigned. It measures 18 1/4" by 12 3/4" at the mat opening (25 1/2" by 19 1/2" as framed). This was acquired from a New Jersey dealer, in Florida. He claimed to have had a bit of paper with the name of the artist but has never been able to come up with it despite my requests. The work looks a bit like that of Jennie Browns...

Oil on canvas painting with great luminosity, the subject small craft pulled up on foreground beach, with a view to distant ships offshore a city, signed at lower left corner and dated 1876 by well listed Danish painter NORDAHL GROVE (1822-1885). The work measures 17 1/2" by 26" (23 1/2" by 32" framed). The luminous handling and colors reminds of works by northeastern American artists of the late 19th century. Grove, the son of a distinguished Danish naval officer, studied at the Royal Danish...

Early landscape painting of a likely imaginary, idealized, pyramidal mountain peak of California, (doesn't really resemble Mt. Shasta, but I suppose it could be), 20" by 16" on the stretchers, painted on canvas, 25 3/4" by 21 3/4" in a fine old gold 19th century frame, signed at lower right by artist "C. A. Simpson" and dated there 1886. The painting is firmly in the luminous tradition of some of the eastern Hudson River artists, with a pinkish glow suffusing the sky. Note the tipis at left lo...

A watercolor painting featuring a street scene in exotic Cusco, Peru, the imagery of a steep walkway in the high altitude mountain city, a lone figure in classic, native Andean dress descending the steps, an extensive view of tiled rooftops, whitewashed buildings and churches completing the middle distance, as serrated mountain ranges fill the horizon. The 10 7/8" by 7 1/2" painting (15 1/4" by 12 1/4" framed) is signed at lower left "ORE" and dated there 1980. Condition is excellent. The gra...

An original botanical watercolor drawing of unknown age, apparently unsigned, featuring leaves and insects, one likely a wasp or similar. The work is very clean and ready for the wall. Some slight brownish toning of the paper seems to be accentuated by the camera; it does not appear that way to the naked eye. The attention paid to detail, by the artist, is impressive. The crisp and stylish monochromatic gray/black/white scheme makes this a neutral piece that will fit into a lot of situations...

A vintage framed 1929 print featuring a peaceful homestead, evidently in Texas, as the scene is filled with bluebonnets in the spring. The framed work measures 13" by 17" and is in excellent condition. Perfect addition to your Texas home sweet home, or reminder of Texas if you are somewhere else and are homesick. Allow for reflections in a few images.

A charming oil on canvas painting of central Paris by the Seine, a number of tiny figures enjoying their walks along the river with its barges. The artist signed at lower right "L Florguin" and dated the work 1953. Very surprisingly I see only scant information under this name. However the artist was obviously very familiar with the French naive school painters who flourished in the immediate post-war years. Measurements are 18" by 13" on the stretchers and 23 1/2" by 18 1/2" in "distressed"...

Late 19th century watercolor painting of a religious road-side shrine, probably outside of Rome, an imposing church dome (probably St. Peter's Basilica) forming the backdrop to the scene. 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 unframed piece measures 14 3/4" by 11 1/4". Note the exceptionally fine detail throughout; the traditional clothing of the foreground fig...

Boris Riab (French, 1898-1975)

Setter with Woodcock

Watercolor on Paper, signed

Sight size:17.75" x 12.75
Unframed, Mat size: 23" x 18"

Biography:
Boris Riab (Born November 1, 1898 Boris Riabouchinsky, in Moscow, Russia. Riab died in 1975 in Saint Vincent du LorouÃr.)
Due to his families finances, Riab studied at many different art schools in Moscow.
In 1917, Riab's family fled Russia after the Bolshevik Party gained power. Pursuing hu...

A late 20th century acrylic on canvas painting of an old New England mill by the mill pond in winter snow, 12" by 36" (15 1/4" by 39" framed), signed at lower right by recognized contemporary Rhode Island-based artist GERALD A. ROBILLARD. The peaceful work captures beautifully the peace of a mid winter New England day while the snow falls. One can almost hear the roar of the falls at right, typical of a mill pond. In olden days the water power would have powered the mill, possibly where texti...

A contemporary, unsigned oil on canvasboard work, 9" by 12" (12 1/2" by 15 1/2" in simple black frame), the subject small boats at a dock, one likely a fishing boat. The work was likely painted rather rapidly by an artist of talent. It is clean and ready for the wall.

Oil on canvasboard painting of a woman with basket on head in tropical town street, 12" by 16", 17" by 21" framed, signed at lower right Paul Katzman. The FRAME is most interesting, with a geometric cross-hatching pattern that would complement a Southwest themed painting.

A **PAIR** of black and white vintage photographs, circa 1948, of one Navion single engine small aircraft, flying over the San Gabriel Mountains behind Claremont, California, the photos by noted Claremont resident and pioneer aerial photographer, ROBERT C. FRAMPTON (1909-1989). One work measures 8 1/2" by 12", and is stamped on the back by the photographer, dated there April 29, 1948, and titled "Over Baldy Range" in Navion 4-48"; the second, larger work measures 15 1/2" by 19 3/4, is signed in...

A vintage circa 1930's watercolor of old two story hotels on a block in Oakdale, in California's Central Valley, between San Francisco and Yosemite, signed at lower right by listed California woman artist ESTELLA HOISHOLT (1889-1979). The buildings are of brick and a quaint, older style rarely seen nowadays in California, countless earthquakes having taken their toll on masonry buildings. Several figures linger around the hotels, and water is reflected in the foreground of what may be an unpav...

A really nicely done watercolor on heavy watercolor paper, the subject a New York Central Park view, the artist evidently looking south across a lake towards the famous San Remo Apartments residential building with its distinctive towers. Signed at lower right in Asian (Chinese?) characters and with red artist seal there, also signed and stamped again on the reverse side, where it is titled "Evening at Central Park #13" and dated March 31, 2008. The watercolor is of high quality and obviously ...

A charcoal and color chalk drawing of a young boy, 8 1/2" by 4 1/2" inside the mat and 11 1/2" by 7 1/2" framed, apparently unsigned. The work is affixed at three edges to another sheet, I was able to peer into the back via the open side and do not see any writing or other information there. The drawing extends beyond the mat, as shown. Nicely executed work by unknown artist.

A decorative impressionist landscape painting of autumnal trees in an intimate space, perhaps a shallow arroyo, oil on canvasboard, 18" by 14" (25" by 21" framed), signed at lower left by artist Alison Lowe. It is framed in gold frame with clean liner and all in all is a solid decorative picture for moderate cost.