Featured Unsigned 19th century painting

Discussion in 'Art' started by Jeff Drum, Mar 5, 2020.

  1. Jeff Drum

    Jeff Drum Well-Known Member

    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?
    P2222172.JPG P2222171.JPG P2222173.JPG P2212160.JPG P2212165.JPG P2212166.JPG P1262060.JPG
     
  2. antidiem

    antidiem Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  3. necollectors

    necollectors Well-Known Member

    Almost looks like an Audubon...John James Audubon...the illustrator of Birds of America
     
  4. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

  5. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Ya, we know who he was........but....Good Call !!!!:)
     
  6. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  7. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    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.....
     
  8. necollectors

    necollectors Well-Known Member

    ok Komo... I figured ya'll would...lol...but just in case...there is a newbie reading :)
     
  9. Ghopper1924

    Ghopper1924 Well-Known Member

    Nice take on Audubon's wood duck.
     
  10. antidiem

    antidiem Well-Known Member

    Agreed, a nice copy.
     
    Jeff Drum likes this.
  11. necollectors

    necollectors Well-Known Member

    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...
     
    judy, lovewrens, antidiem and 2 others like this.
  12. Jeff Drum

    Jeff Drum Well-Known Member

    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?
     
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2020
    judy and kyratango like this.
  13. Frank Luongo

    Frank Luongo Active Member

    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.
     
  14. Jeff Drum

    Jeff Drum Well-Known Member

    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.
     
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2020
    judy likes this.
  15. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    judy and Jeff Drum like this.
  16. necollectors

    necollectors Well-Known Member

  17. chantaljones

    chantaljones Well-Known Member

    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
     
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Unsigned 19th
Forum Title Date
Art Help for a 19th century drawing unsigned Sep 25, 2021
Art Unsigned oil Mar 9, 2024
Art Unsigned Winter Scene Feb 17, 2024
Art Pencil - Unsigned Jan 26, 2024
Art Thrift store find - unsigned Stenciled Jamed Dean on plywood - Banksy?! Nov 17, 2023

Share This Page