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...

An original drawing of a standing cowboy, executed on thin tracing-style paper, with estate stamp at lower right of noted Arizona artist CURTIS WINGATE (1926-1982). The drawing, 18" by 9" inside the current mat, is very sketchy, as if perhaps a very preliminary study for a finished watercolor or painting. Wingate was born in Dennison, Texas and spent most of his life in Arizona after moving there from California...

An ink on paper drawing of a man holding a cigarette, unsigned, 6 3/8 " by 5 3/4" inside the mat (12 1/2" by 10 1/2" simply framed). When I first saw this my thoughts drifted to accomplished ink line drawings by the American master artist Ben Shahn, or, possibly, German Expressionism (Georg Grosz, etc.). The drawing was found in Oregon, with no further information available. It probably dates to about 1950 give or take a few years, and is probably American...

A PAIR of ink on wove paper drawings apparently by the same anonymous talented artist, one work featuring a southern American-looking old historic style home, the other a fountain in a southern European street scene (probably Italy). I opened the items and determined that there is no signature of any kind, nor any other indication of authorship. The home scene has pencil sketching on the reverse, possibly a very sketchy, preliminary architectural plan drawing...

Antique drawing in charcoal on paper of four women who appear to be in surf or sand at water's edge, apparently unsigned, probably European and 19th century. The figures are somewhat heroic, as if survivors. Possibly a preparatory study for a painting, this work's authorship is unknown, but obviously the artist was talented and probably even listed and known. The sheet, 8 1/4" by 14", is seemingly glued to an illustration board backing...

An early pencil drawing of a charming country house (barn/hayloft?) with thatched roof, a group of figures conversing outside. A pair of mules, a split rail fence, and plane tree complete the scene. The work is unsigned. Measurements are 8 1/2" by 11 1/2" inside the mat. Someone decided to re-use a modern mat that had evidently been used on a print, as there are numbers on it as if from an edition...

A striking, complex drawing suggestive of three dimensionality, in rich teal blue and black, violet and gold, with strategic cut-outs revealing the white backing, 25" by 38' in the plastic enclosure box. The work does not appear to be signed but a fading label on backing gives the title as "Turquesa" ("Turquoise in Spanish) and the artist as JUNE SOBEL (1950-). Sobel was born in Queens, New York and grew up on Long Island...

Ink drawing "Wooded Road", measuring 11" by 16", unframed, circa 1930's or 1940's, signed at lower right by listed American artist ISOLDE THERESE GILBERT (1907-1986). There are two labels, discovered when the piece was opened up (frame is low quality and worn). One red-bordered label gives the artist name, work's title, and size; another, of The City Library Association, Springfield (MA) Museum of Fine Arts, again provides title/artist name...

Original pencil on paper drawing of a Native American Indian warrior on horseback, 10" by 8" (14" by 12" framed), signed at lower left by listed Montana artist SANDY INGERSOLL (1908-1989). This is perhaps a workout sketch---almost a tracing paper illustration type of drawing---for a more finished drawing or, later, painting. Ingersoll was born near Helena, Montana and would have been in his teens when Charlie Russell died in 1926. Ingersoll lived in western Montana most of his life...

Pencil on paper study of a man, signed at lower left with initials M.A.K., mid 19th century, by the noted Dutch landscapist and member of the important artistic Koekkoek family, MARINUS ADRIANUS KOEKKOEK (1807-1870). He was the son of Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek and brother of Barend Cornelis and Hermanus Koekkoek. This particular work was likely a sketch made by the artist as he worked out a particular artistic situation for a painting...

A classically beautiful unframed red chalk on old paper drawing of a woman dressed as a nun, possibly a saint, surrounded by winged and putti-like figures, Christ on the cross at left background, circa 1700 Roman School. The Old Master drawing is beautifully worked. Formerly attributed to Guercino, now "Roman School". The old paper is laid on a thin card...

Original gouache painting of Balboa Park's California Tower and other nearby architecture, 19 1/2" by 28 1/2" in simple framing, signed at lower right by artist C.L. Jay. The work could date to the 1950's or so judging from the dress of the figures included in the composition. It would make for an excellent addition to your Californiana collection and your bungalow or Arts and Crafts and Mission interior. The painting is executed in the technically detailed manner of an architectural drawing,...

A nicely executed Italian antique pencil and watercolor drawing of classical temple ruins (Doric capitals) with figures, 11 1/2" by 9", in an interesting 19th century frame measuring 15 1/2" by 13". The work appears unsigned, though there is a "G.F." in a rectangle at lower right......likely a collector stamp. On the reverse is written in Italian "rosso matlorio/pass e conire" or similar; also in ink below that, a dedication in Italian: "Alla cara Fra. Virginia ni ricordo di mi Padre Adele La...

A wild crayon and pencil on paper drawing of bizarre abstracted forms that might be described as "organic", the drawing tacked at four corners to a larger board that is itself painted decoratively. The work, 22" by 18" framed, is signed with initials at lower right that could be "BK" and the date is "02". This was found in Southern California. The artist worked a lot of hours to produce this. Both drawing and gold frame are in very good condition.

An elegant, black ink on white paper drawing of the heart of Montmartre in Paris, the famous Place du Tertre, where to this day artists endure ten year waiting lists to secure a spot outdoors to create the works tourists love to buy. This beautiful drawing is signed at lower right with what appears as "Dieter Gly(xx)" and is dated there 1958. It is in excellent condition, considering it is over sixty years old. Simply framed in black strip, it is ready for the wall. The drawing itself measur...

A well-drawn pencil scene of the French coast of western Brittany, titled on reverse "Pecheurs a Douarnenez", signed at lower right by living French artist BRUNO DU TERTRE D'ELMARCQ. Douarnenez is one of the scenic towns much favored by artists since the 19th century. When I first saw this work I was reminded of the beach scenes of Eugene Boudin, the famed late 19th century French artist. The tiny figures, sails, and poetry all remind of that French master. Indeed I would have been unable to...

A rather elegant pastel/mixed media drawing, anthracite gray dominating, though with other delicate color in some of the abstract forms, executed on heavy paper, (there is an interesting, pronounced texture to the surface, and some kind of a slight gloss in parts when viewed at an angle), signed at upper right "Grau 59", and "Enrique Grau" is written on the reverse, on which there are a lot of scribbles. The work measures 19 1/2" by 12 1/2". The interesting modern drawing was found in New Engl...

This is a fascinating drawing, in that it appears to be a photograph, such as a rotogravure print........but, it is not. It is guaranteed unconditionally to be an original watercolor, ink and gouache drawing of an old portal, possibly the entry to a church. The door seems to have been a favorite motif for generations of German and traveling artists.....a favorite "motif" just like the iconic red fishing shack in Rockport, Massachusetts, or the Brulatour Courtyard in New Orleans. The piece cou...

An interesting work of the mid 1970's----original watercolor and crayon drawing of the freeway intersections and downtown towers of Los Angeles at the time, signed at lower right "John N" and dated 10-74. The piece measures 12 1/2" by 13" inside the mat and 19 1/2" by 19 1/2" in the period frame. This is not quite artist Wayne Thiebaud and his famed California elevated freeways, which are now seen as Pop Art works in and of themselves; but this artist had a modern vision and handled the subjec...

This is a finely drawn portrait of a young woman with distinctive ringlet hair of the period, her name given at bottom as "Elizabeth Hartshorne", the work signed at lower right margin "Sketch by A T Agate 1837". The work, measuring 7 3/4" by 6 1/4" plus strip frame, is a very rare example of the work of the American artist ALFRED THOMAS AGATE (1812-1846). Agate studied with his brother Frederick Styles Agate. From 1831 to 1838, as a very young man, he was in New York City. The highlight of A...

Brown chalk drawing of a mother and child, 11 1/2" by 7" (14 1/2" by 10" framed) signed at lower right by artist MAXIM BUGZESTER (1910-1978). The artist was born in Stanislov, Poland (present day Ukraine) to Ruthenian-Jewish parents. He grew up in Vienna and began an art education there. Bugzester became a student of the important German expressionist artist Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884-1976). While still young, he spent time in France, where he worked for a time with Pierre Bonnard and Georg...

A relatively large (21 1/2" by 17 7/8", and 27" by 23 1/2" framed) chalk drawing of an idealized handsome nude male figure, likely by a talented student, dating most likely to the 18th century. Note the beautiful shading and modeling of the anatomy---the limbs and their musculature, and the strategically placed fig leaf. There is no signature nor other notation but there are old watermarks including one with letters, and more analysis of these could help to determine more closely the age of th...

A charming little drawing, exceptionally well-traveled, and with a story to tell: pencil on paper, 6 1/2" by 9 3/4" inside the present mat opening, 12 1/2" by 15 3/8" as framed, not signed, but with inscription "Cesanne Aug. 13/74" at lower right, and "copper buckets" at lower left. And, on the backing, written in a modern hand: "Purchased at Kingston, Jamaica Municipal Art Museum/The date is 1874--purchased previous to 1974. Probably a sketch of town fountain in rural France. Note the thre...

A large (27 1/2" by 40", unframed) oil pastel on paper drawing, circa 1930's to about 1940, the imagery including two Native American-looking female figures washing clothes in a stream as a child looks on, a deer and her newborn fawn, and stylized flowers, butterfly and trees, all in a composition that combines the Southwest and the Art Deco period. The work is unsigned, making it therefore difficult to determine who the artist may have been, though that artist may well have been known/listed-...

Ink and wash on paper drawing, 14" by 9 3/4" inside the mat, 19 1/2" by 15 1/2" as framed (no glass), signed at lower right by American master artist JOHN EDWARD HELIKER (1909-1999). Heliker was a significant figure in American art of the twentieth century, working as an illustrator, and painting figures, florals, genre and interior scenes, landscapes and marines. At auction, works have exceeded $20,000. A student of Boardman Robinson, Kenneth Hayes Miller, Kimon Nicolaides, and Thomas Hart Ben...

This work is guaranteed to be an original pencil drawing, and not a print nor reproduction of any kind. The drawing (15" by 23", 20" by 26 3/4" in simple metal framing) is amazingly detailed, featuring an old time steam boat, the General Slocum, as it might have appeared in New York harbor around the turn of the century. The Brooklyn Bridge towers at right and sailing craft complete the scene at lower right. The artist signed the work at lower left and dated it 1995. Karvelas does not seem t...

An accomplished drawing in pastel, 16" by 31 1/2" (22" by 38" in present framing), signed on the reverse by local Los Angeles artist Julie Belnick (1957-), and dated there 1989. The strange, surrealistic, stark modernist scene is of two brooms leaning against several walls dividing an otherwise empty space. A silvery gray tone dominates, with some subtle yellow mixed in, resulting in an elegant and mysterious work. Belnick is a Southern California artist with an exhibition history. A write u...

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 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. The American-looking scenes, featuring imagery of buildings and trees, are untitled, and comprise five of...

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. He obtained his Masters in Fine Art at...

A finely worked sepia ink drawing of a Paris street scene, titled at top "Eglise et Seminaire St. Nicolas du Chardonnet", signed at lower right "Delaunay" and dated there 1867. The 6 1/2" by 7 1/2" drawing (11" by 13 1/4" as framed) features a Roman Catholic church in the fifth Arrondissement, on the south bank of the Seine, sometimes known as the Latin Quarter. The Pantheon and Sorbonne are located in this district, south of Notre Dame. There are a number of artists by the common French name...

This is the original cartoon art (5" by 16 3/4") for the daily strip of June 26, year unknown, by well known figure in American cartoon art, MERRILL BLOSSER (1892-1983). Blosser drew the comic strip for over 50 years, from 1915 to 1965. He started professionally in 1912 at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, worked for Motor Cycling Magazine, and contributed to Denton Publishing in Cleveland. Check the net for much more information on Blosser and his contribution to American illustration and ca...

A small pencil drawing of several structures on rolling hillsides, drawn in a very impressionist hand, and signed "A C Goodwin" at lower right by one of Boston's most beloved artists, ARTHUR CLIFTON GOODWIN (1864-1929). Written on the backing presumably by another hand and at a later date is the artist's name and "Berkshire Landscape, pencil drawing". The work was acquired in suburban Sudbury, Massachusetts. Goodwin was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and did not become active artistically ...

An ORIGINAL mixed media color caricature drawing of iconic entertainer Madonna, 6 1/4" by 8 1/2" (11" by 13" in present silvery framing), signed at lower right by the obviously highly talented contemporary artist who goes by the fashionably anonymous moniker "14". The work is in pencil, gouache, and color crayon. Madonna is shown with colored blonde hair that extends out quite too far on both sides, and there is the suggestion of her being less-than-young. The artist is associated with the we...

Fine spontaneous ink drawing on thin paper of man and boy dressed in traditional orthodox Jewish clothing, 7 3/4" by 4 3/4", 13 1/4" by 10 1/4" in narrow gold leaf framing by a quality New York City framer, signed at upper right by the noted Jewish-Ukrainian artist, EMANUEL MANE-KATZ (1894-1962). With some quick strokes of the pen, the master artist has created a fine image that embodies Jewish tradition and culture. The artist was born in the Ukraine near the end of the 19th century. By 19 h...

By the well regarded Belgian artist JACQUES HOTE (1939-1986), this is a highly worked, detailed ink drawing on Japan tissue-type paper, measuring 8 1/2" by 11 1/4" (13 1/2" by 15 1/2" simply framed, no glass). The work is signed at lower right and dated there March 22,1969. The figures, caricatures, really, are quite strange, many with exaggerated Gallic noses; the subject/message of the drawing is not clear to me, but it likely lies in the realm of politics and satire and social commentary. ...

Accomplished drawing of a young mother holding her baby, painted and with pencil underneath, unsigned, but on the reverse is a printed label of the Kherwadi Social Welfare Association of Mumbai, India, giving the name of the artist as Savita Shershing Ashiwal, age 9 years. The work being so advanced, it is difficult to believe that it could have been created by a young child. Most certainly the style resembles that of some very well-known Indian artists, including Maqbool Fida Husain and Jamin...

A charming pencil on paper study of a human hand, the sheet 9 3/4" by 9", annotated at lower left "For Papa Apl. 28. 1832" and is signed at lower right "T T P dd." (Latin abbreviation commonly used in 19th century by artists---means "del delineavit" (he/she drew it) Florence". This drawing possibly by a youngster is a true survivor, coming up on two centuries of age. It is in good condition with corners glued to a backing sheet, and lower right corner is missing. The seller from whom I acqui...

A most unusual and interesting DOUBLE-SIDED pencil drawing on wove paper, one side featuring an indian in headdress snatching a child off the shore, a tiny fenced white settlement visible in the upper left corner; the other side features a white man in frontier clothing holding his rifle as a native brave swings his tomahawk. Both sides are signed "E Thompson artist". I am not aware of a known artist by this name so this will rest squarely in the folk art or historical categories. The subtle ...

This is a fine pencil drawing of a Victorian style wood home, 16" by 11 1/2" (24 3/4" by 18 3/4" framed), signed at lower right "David" and dated there '73. One is reminded of Edward Hopper's haunted, lonely dune houses or even the infamous back-lot Bates Motel house from the movie "Psycho" where Anthony Perkins did his thing. Condition is excellent. Found in San Francisco, the city where many treasured gingerbread houses of Victorian times still stand.

Original 16" by 18" ink on paper drawing of two men in slickers in an overloaded canoe in a rainstorm, their faces reacting to the increasing challenges as they are apparently taking on water, signed at lower right by the noted American illustrator HENRY "HY" SUMNER WATSON (1868-1933). The drawing was evidently produced for eventual publication by Outing Publishing Co., as their violet "PAID" stamp dated April 10, 1907 and "Book Department" appears on the reverse. Also there, giving some insig...

A naive ink drawing, possibly by a child, charmingly titled "EXCHANGES", featuring a mounted cowboy on right firing at an Indian with chief's headdress, firing an arrow at the cowboy while crouching behind a protective rock. A cactus at far left and steer skull at right complete the composition. Probably dates to the early to mid 20th century. It is a simple image, but states a message in a rather straightforward manner. Size is 8" by 12" in simple wood framing.

A 19th century European pencil drawing of a classical male figure seated on a drape, holding a staff and a round object, signed with initials at lower right with what appears as "MLB". There is no other hint as to the identity of the artist. The paper has no watermarks. Measurements are 9 1/2" by 7" inside the mat, 14 7/8" by 11 1/4" in inexpensive modern frame behind non glare glass.

Large, early charcoal drawing of a nineteenth century house in a leafy landscape, signed at lower right corner by listed American artist HIRAM HAROLD GREEN (1865-1930). 25" by 18 1/2" inside the mat, 34 1/4" by 27" framed. Green was born in upstate New York and died in Buffalo. A painter, illustrator and etcher, he became known around the Buffalo area for his birds eye views of Niagara Falls. Green worked for the US government during World War I, creating patriotic posters, and early in the ...

Signed pencil drawing of a man, from mid-chest up, signed at lower right somewhat indecipherably---the name looks like "Inda (Linda?) Turtle" but that is likely not the actual name. The piece measures 13 1/4" by 10 1/2" inside the mat and 21 1/2" by 18 1/8" framed. Condition appears to be excellent. Allow for reflections especially at top in some of the images.

Most would see this work as an etching or engraving and never give it a second look----but, it is, amazingly, an original ink on paper drawing (I guarantee that), measuring 23" by 16 3/4" (34 3/4" by 28 3/4" in dark old oak frame). Floating troubadours in their gondola serenade an upscale looking couple at right, as two other figures seem to be appreciating the pretty spring or summer day. The drawing is signed at lower right with what appears as "C J Meancon", the first letters conjoined. Su...

A pencil drawing of an elegant interior scene with chairs and credenza, center mural and flanking high panels, 15" by 11 1/2" framed in black metal and matted, signed with initials "JRM" at lower left and dated there 1943. On the reverse a previous owner wrote "JOHN RICHARD MOORE 1925-2009 University High Arts Co Founder Panavision Co.". This early work would date to the artist's teens. Moore, commonly known in later life as Richard Moore, went on to become a co-founder of the Panavision wi...

Contrasty, dramatic charcoal drawing of a figure who appears to be civil rights icon Martin Luther King, 23 1/2" by 17 3/4" inside the mat, 31" by 25" simply framed in wood behind thin Plexi, signed at lower left and dated there 1987 by American artist JESSICA ROCKWELL. Rockwell, a relative of Norman Rockwell, is a talented portraitist currently working out of Clearwater, Florida. The artist lived at one time in Southern California and that is likely why this rather early work was found here. ...

An ink drawing of scrubby dunes, titled at lower left margin "Seascape, after Wm. M. Chase", signed at lower right margin "Hugo Anderson" and initialed and dated nearby 1980. The roughly 6 1/4" by 9 1/2" drawing (11 1/2" by 14 1/2" in metal frame) could be by listed Santa Monica artist Hugo Anderson (1946-)----it was found in the area----but I cannot say with any certainty that that is the case. There being no glass, the drawing has acquired a water splotch at upper right in the sky. This sub...

A brown ink drawing of two standing men in conversation, signed at lower right in Hebrew script. A Hebrew reader tells me the signature could read "Yashkovsky" or "Shaikovsky" or similar. The work measures 8" by 6" (15 1/4" by 13" framed). The drawing was likely executed circa 1960's to 1980. A simple work which demonstrates the skill of the draftsman.

A modernist line drawing of a man in thin marker or ink, unsigned, the artist unknown, detail of the face especially indicative of the skill of the artist. The work probably dates to about 1970. Size 7 1/2" by 4" inside the mat, and 10 1/4" by 6 3/4" in silvery wood frame. Condition is excellent. Word "Al" written in pencil on reverse side. There are reflections in the images.

Drawing (charcoal) of Donald Duck, signed "Roy", and with "HI HENRY" at top, the work, the sheet 9 3/4" by 6", presently simply framed for protection only. The drawing is by ROY WILLIAMS (1907-1976, who was inducted as a "Disney legend" posthumously in 1992. He was a Disney animator, who worked as director, producer, storyboard and layout artist. Significantly, he was also a Disney entertainer, perhaps best known as "Big Roy" the adult Mouseketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club tv series. The vigo...

From one collection, EIGHT framed watercolor drawings (****NOT PRINTS****) of flowering botanical specimens, with their respective Latin classification names written in brown ink, generally at lower left. The works are on an exceedingly delicate tissue-like paper, which is then affixed at edges to a card, causing a puckering effect of the paper. There is another original drawing on the reverse side of one of the works (not pictured). I have opened all eight in search of a signature of the art...

An original drawing of early twentieth century biplane and car, 9" by 12" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), signed at lower right "Lantz". The work is most likely for an advertisement, for publication. The unusual name makes it tempting to link this to the famed Woody Woodpecker artist Walter Lantz (1899-1994)---and it was found in Southern California, where he worked at the Hollywood studios----but the signature is dissimilar and the work is not the cartoon art for which he is so well known. The ...

Pencil on paper drawing of two men who appear to be having a serious disagreement, the top hatted figure at left about to swing his cane into the other, all while a woman in bonnet watches from rear left in horror. It's a whimsical, humorous piece, measuring 8 3/4" by 7 1/4" inside the mat, 16" by 15" framed. The paper is very thin and delicate, and has acquired a few noticeable folds and creases in its more than 150 years, as shown. The paper is NOT laid down. There is no signature, though ...

This is a fine drawing on heavy paper, the subject a young woman, in mixed media including pencil, red chalk, wash, and some white gouache for highlights, signed at lower right only with conjoined initials that could be "TH" or some variant of that. Below her portrait is a sensitively rendered pencil sketch of a hand and forearm, beautifully drawn. This could I suppose be of European origin but there is really little to go on, other than a framer's stamp on the backing paper from Carmel, Calif...

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. Neverthel...

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...

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.

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...