Featured Unsigned 19th century painting

Here's another piece that I am probably insane to hold onto, but I think it is very skillfully done. The painting is only 9"x12", and incredibly detailed. Looks to be 19th century or so from the back, and I also think stylistically looks to be prior to the 20th century. Not clear whether it was once signed and the signature flaked off, or if it was never signed. I think an original piece not based on a print. Maybe identifying the bird species would be somewhere to start? Does anyone have a clue?

Obviously needs a serious cleaning, and losses are significant. So what would you do with this piece? Is it worth trying to restore? Is it worth trying to research, and if so is there any way to do so?

 

What's left of it is lovely, no I would not restore it, too much losses. Someone can appreciate it as is, or restore it themselves.

 

Almost looks like an Audubon...John James Audubon...the illustrator of Birds of America

 

Ya, we know who he was........but....Good Call !!!!

 

funny that the duck has leaves around his top wing....with no branch holding them.....

from a good painter...but...he could only paint what he sees.....

 

ok Komo... I figured ya'll would...lol...but just in case...there is a newbie reading

 

Nice take on Audubon's wood duck.

 

Agreed, a nice copy.

 

Audubon sometimes used his drawing talent to trade for goods or sell small works to raise cash. He made charcoal portraits on demand at $5 each and gave drawing lessons.[52] In 1823 Audubon took lessons in oil painting technique from John Steen, a teacher of American landscape, and history painter Thomas Cole. Though he did not use oils much for his bird work, Audubon earned good money painting oil portraits for patrons along the Mississippi. (Audubon's account reveals that he learned oil painting in December 1822 from Jacob Stein, an itinerant portrait artist. After they had enjoyed all the portrait patronage to be expected in Natchez, Mississippi, during January–March 1823, they resolved to travel together as perambulating portrait-artists.)[53][54] During this period (1822–1823), Audubon also worked as an instructor at Jefferson College in Washington, Mississippi.

COULD IT BE??????? It is about the right age...

 

Thank you NEcollectors, I agree that this clearly this needs additional research. I'll update if I find out more.

So I have a question. I've never taken anything I've found to a museum to ask for help. I don't want to do it online - I want to take the pieces in so they can look at them. Can anyone tell me who to approach? Is there someone who works at museums whose job it is to handle the crazies like me who want to bring pieces in? Who do I call and who do I ask for?

 

Try Christie's or Sothebys and get a hold of their Audubon specialist. They do free auction appraisals and might find your painting intriguing.
In any event it's an easy online beginning of your search.

 

Thanks, I've talked to auction houses before (Skinner), but in this case I would prefer to talk to a museum. Just not sure who to approach there or how.

p.s. I did a bit of research and found the email for the curator of collections, and decided that was probably the best approach. Hopefully they will respond.

 

I know that the Smithsonian Has some of his works...in OIL... so you might want to try there.
https://americanart.si.edu/artist/john-james-audubon-168

https://americanart.si.edu/about/contact

 

Before you make it all to difficult for yourself. You should try to contact Christies Auction archives first.

Those black numerals on the back of the stretcher are Christies stencil marks. So this means it went trough Christies hands. Maybe it was sold at one time and you can ask for the records and if you are not lucky, it came in with a household and was part of a lot. They would have marked every single lot to create a inventory.

Good luck