Catalog: Sold Items (421)

Anna Althea Hills California Impressionist view of Laguna Beach sunset oil on canvas c. 1925. A beautiful plein air painting by this highly regarded California artist. Oil on canvas signed lower left measuring 10x14 inches framed in a hand carved and 24k gold leaf quality frame overall size 16x20 inches. Provenance; From the estate of Anna Hills stamped on reverse stretcher with the estate stamp and catalogue number in addition attached is an accompanying letter from the Robert Beck Gallery as to the provenance of this painting. The condition is excellent the painting has been relined and cleaned and is in fine condition. A quality investment piece of California art. An Anna Hills 10x14 painting of Laguna sold for $23,000 at John Moran auction on 6/21/05.

Biography

Anna Althea Hills was born January 28, 1882 in Ravenna, Ohio. She studied at the Chicago Art Institute; Cooper Union Art School in New York City; she worked with Arthur Dow (1857-1922) and later studied at the Academie Julian in Paris. While in Europe she studied with John Noble Barlow (1861-1917). In 1912 she moved to Laguna Beach, California becoming a leading member of the Laguna Beach art community. She was an active member of the California Art Club, held a membership at the Washington Watercolor Club and served at the Laguna Beach Art Association as president from 1922 to 1925 and from 1927 to 1930. Hills was highly regarded as an art teacher and encouraged the study of the visual arts at the local public schools. Captivated and inspired by her new surroundings, she created atmospheric impressionist landscapes showing a reverence and appreciation of nature. The subjects of her plein-air landscapes varied from treescapes, the Laguna Beach coastline, Mission San Juan Capistrano, the vast Southern California and Arizona deserts, Santa Ana Canyon, arroyos and interior scenes. Hills won the Bronze Medal at the Panama-California Exposition, San Diego in 1915; the Bronze Medal at the California State Fair, 1919; and the Landscape Prize at the Laguna Beach Art Association, 1922, 1923. She died at the early age of forty-eight on June 13, 1930 in Laguna Beach, California.

AFTER NIKOLAI IVANOVICH LIBERIKH (1828-1883), A RUSSIAN BRONZE OF A BEAR STANDING ON HIND LEGS with signature and with a plaque engraved in Russian "Killed by the Emperor near / Lisin 9 March 1865" Height 21 1/4 in. 54 cm Condition: excellent some age discoloration an early 20th century casting. Provenance: Private Collection Stanford Ca. Dimensions: Approx. 21" x 10" x 9"

An exquisite Olmec culture pre Columbian Mexico Jade hard stone mask. Measuring 8" x 6" x 3". A beautifully carved image with bold facial features. In ancient condition with centuries of deterioration of the stone matrix from being buried in an acidic soil, leaving the harder Jade intact authenticating the age. From a Stanford collection.

Pre Columbian Olmec Jade hardstone figure of a seated man. Mesoamerica Circa: 1200 BC to 500 BC. The material is a variegated pale green nephrite with oxidation to the matrix of the stone due to interaction of soil minerals over several centuries. The dimensions are 8"H x 5"W x 4"D.

Romona Valencia

A beautiful oil of an early California landscape of wild flowers lupine and poppies. Oil painting on canvas board signed lower right measuring approx. 12 x 16 inches. Framed in a contemporary gallery frame overall 20x24 inches. In excellent condition a fine early piece would be a fine addition to any collection.

Biography

Born in Oakland, California, Ramona Froyland, known as Mona, was a painter of still lifes, portraits, landscapes, marines and later in her life, Madonnas. Her parents were Mabel and Manuel Valencia, both artists who gave Ramona her early instruction. She later attended the California School of Fine Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Ramona Valencia was a paternal descendant of General Gabriel Valencia, the first governor of Sonora, Mexico under Spanish rule, and the great granddaughter of a man who arrived in California in 1774 and became administrator of the Presidio in San Francisco where the family received many land grants. When she was six years old, in 1906, she and her family moved to San Jose because of the destruction of the San Francisco earthquake and fire. However, the family kept close ties to San Francisco where her father kept his studio. Beginning in the 1960s, Ramona Valencia taught art classes to children and adults from her studio in Castro Valley, California, and she died there on September 22, 1988. She was a member of the Hayward art Association and exhibited at Alameda County Fairs.

A original Camille Pissarro pencil drawing figural drawing sketches initialed lower left and signed and dated 1890 lower right, Framed in a quality hand carved silver gilt framed image measuring approx 8 x 11 inches. In good condition some wrinkling of the paper and a small puncture in the top edge, Provenance Mackay Gallery London and Bonhams San Francisco.

Camille Pissarro (10 July 1830 – 13 November 1903) was a Danish-French Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist painter His importance resides in his contributions to both Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Pissarro studied from great forerunners, including Gustave Courbet and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. He later studied and worked alongside Georges Seurat and Paul Signac when he took on the Neo-Impressionist style at the age of 54. Pissarro is the only artist to have shown his work at all eight Paris Impressionist exhibitions, from 1874 to 1886. As a stylistic forerunner of Impressionism, he is today considered a "father figure not only to the Impressionists" but to all four of the major Post-Impressionists, including Georges Seurat, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.[2]

Mediterranean Fishing Boats, by Charles Levier (1920-2003). Signed lower right and titled on verso. For over 40 years, Levier enjoyed an important position as an artist with countless exhibitions around the world. Image, 24"L x 30"W.

Claude Lacaze Original painting cubist nudes oil on canvas in excellent condition measuring approx. 14 x 20 Biography

Lacaze was a painter who was heavily influenced by Cubism and Post-Cubism, particularly by fellow Bordeaux painters such as André L’Hote. He was born in Angoulême, Charente and studied at the Lycée Montaigne in Bordeaux and it was there, under an inspirational art master, that his desire to be an artist was initiated. He enrolled at L’École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux and studied under André Edouard Marty. At first, his style was decidedly Cubist, showing the influence of Picasso through the aforementioned L’Hote. However he softened the linear effect somewhat as his career developed and this is particularly apparent in his paintings of nudes. He staged his first solo exhibition in Paris in Rue Visconti quite soon after leaving art school. He also exhibited through his career at other locations in Paris, his home city of Bordeaux, Sainte Maxine, Angoulême and Périgueux but he seems not to have had a particularly commercial attitude to his work apparently sometimes not even turning up to the opening nights. Lacaze was appointed Professor of Fine Art at Collège de Puyguillen and also joined the artistic group Maison des Artistes. Exhibitions: Paris, Galerie Visconiti; Périgueux, N.T.P.; Angoulême, Galerie Tison d’Argence; Bordeaux, Galerie du Loup; Sainte Maxine, Galerie L’Oleil Fauve. The Musée des Beaux Arts de Bordeaux also exhibited his work.

Oil painting of a Texas Barn by Nicholas Richard Brewer (1857-1949) . Signed lower left titled on verso. Image 12 X 18 in original frame overall size 15 x 21". A prominent 19th century portrait and landscape painter in Minnesota, New York and Texas, Nicholas Brewer was born in Olmstead County, Minnesota and was raised on a farm along the Root River in southeastern Minnesota. He was a student in New York of Dwight Tryon and Charles Noel Flagg at the National Academy of Design where he also exhibited. He painted a crucifixion in the Cathedral of St. Paul, in Minnesota as well as portraits of many prominent persons in his native state. Exhibition venues include the Minnesota State Art Society, the Minneapolis Art Institute, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. He was a member of the American Federation of Arts, the California Art Club and the Salmagundi Club.

Original oil on canvas c.1932 "Portrait Schooner Danmark" By Christian Pedersen (1870-1950) renowned marine artist. The Danish Navy Schooner Danmark was visiting NY Worlds Fair in 1939. At the outbreak of World War II she was ordered to remain in US waters to avoid capture by the Germans. Loaned by Denmark she was used to train more than 5,000 US navy sailors. Returning to the US she was given a place of honor leading the NY 1964 Worlds Fair parade of tall ships. Canvas size 25"W x 17.5"H. framed 32.5" W x 24.5" H.

Original antique carved sandstone seated Buddha circa 1500-1700, carved in meditation with crossed legs and arms in the "Bhumisparsa Mudra", set in an arched recess, with two monkey bodhisattvas at his side. Presented displayed on modern wood stand. Dimensions 16.5" W x 22.75" H x 5.25" D - measurements including stand.

Exquisite inlaid rosewood Anglo Indian table with a scene of a couple under a tree with a palace in the distance. Elephant head legs. Some minor restoration to inlay. Measuring 35" L x 33" W x 19" H

A beautiful modernist composition oil on paper by Harold Christopher Davies a well listed California modernist The Provenance is from the estate of the artist and Hoover Gallery of San Francisco. Measuring approx. 23 x 28 inches framed size 32 x 40 inches. A fine example of this artists work. Harold Christopher Davies was a painter with whom art came first and commercialism last. Though he was a remarkably passionate and somewhat prolific artist, he resisted gallery representation until the age of eighty-four, just one year before his death. Davies began his formal art education at the age of fourteen, enrolling in the Corcoran Art Institute in Washington, D.C. Later he continued his studies at the San Francisco Institute of Art. An abstract expressionist, his style was directly influenced by Cezanne, Gorky and de Kooning. Being a man of intense dedication to his art, he kept extensive notebooks and sketchbooks in which he developed his own artistic and aesthetic philosophy, often through his candid critiques of other artist’s works. Painting, for Davies, was not a means of earning his living. Though he exhibited frequently at various local colleges and museums, he never sought public recognition of his talent. He believed fame compromised the integrity of an artist’s work. Davies earned his living as a businessman, eventually owning and operating his own chemical company. He lived a life of balancing his monetary obligations with the true love of his life: painting. After living in a variety of cities around the United States, Davies moved to Inverness, California in 1969 where he was free to devote all his time to his art. MEMBER: Oakland Art League San Francisco Art Association Huntsville (Ala.) Art Association EXHIBITED: San Francisco Art Association, 1921-1931 Oakland Art Gallery, 1931 Birmingham Museum, 1951 Southampton Museum, 1959 University of Long Island Museum, 1964 Parrish Art Museum, 1964, 1966, 1967 Hoover Gallery (San Francisco), 1975 Fresno Art Center, 1976 (Solo) Haggin Museum 1982 Huntsville Museum, 1982

Pastel titled Old Shipwreck, signed lower left Frederick Wagner (1864-1940). Wagner was an American Impressionist who studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1879 to 1884. He exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy the Carnegie and the Corcoran as well as the National Academy of Design. Image, 9.5"L x 11"W. Framed 15.5" L x 18" W Complete written provenance accompanies this piece. Please View Our other inventory

Vintage abstract painting of boats in a harbor by award winning artist Audrey Salkind. Salkind graduated from the Moore College of Art and Design in Philladelphia and continued her studies in Maryland as well. She has exhibited extensively throughout the Mid Atlantic and NY.

Original pen and Ink drawing "Girl on the Beach" by Frank Van Sloun signed lower right. Renowned painter, muralist, etcher and educator. Van Sloun studied in New York City under Robert Henri and members of the Ashcan School. Memberships included the San Francisco Art Association, the Carmel Art Association, Bohemian Club, Society of Mural Painters and California Society of Etchers. Image 8"L x 11"W.

Original Watercolor Cattle in a Landscape by David Cox the younger signed lower right. David Cox the Younger (1809-1885) David Cox, the Younger was active/lived in United Kingdom. David Cox the Younger is known for landscape and seascape paintings. Image size 9"L x 14"W. Framed and Matted 16 x 20 overall.

. A beautiful bronze head of the Buddha Thailand Sukhothai style. A serene face with elogated ears and a top unisa flame. in good antique condition measuring approx. 15 inches tall with mounted stand overall 22 inches.

Original Painting by Zhāng Shūqí (Chinese: 张书旗; 1901-1957) a Chinese painter from Zhejiang, noted for painting flowers and birds. He studied at Shanghai under Liu Haisu. For a time he taught at the National Center University. From 1942 to 1946, he lived in the United States. After that, he returned to China for a time, but ultimately settled in the US.His works are in the Gallery of Victoria Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and Stanford Museum. Image 9.5"L x 12"W. framed in a gilt bamboo frame 16" L x 19" W. Provenance a Stanford collection estate stamped lower right. Please view our other catalog offerings.

Beautiful antique Italian bronze sculpture of a woman by Professor Antonio Garella (1864 - 1919) . Signed on right shoulder Prof. Garella.

Fine set of Twelve Alvin sterling napkin rings in fine condition.

A fine pair of the finest hand carved wood duck decoys. A mating pair of green wing teal. Made from cedar artist signed Dan Heiman in very fine condition. Carved from a cedar log found at Big Bear California artist information written on bottom.

A Beautiful antique sterling silver overlay cut crystal decanter. Marked sterling. Dimensions 5.0ʺW × 5.0ʺD × 10.0ʺH Condition Excellent

Original Antique Watercolor British Portrait of "The Cutty Sark" signed lower right John Whitlock image 13"L x 18"W. Overall framed size 20" L x 24" W. Provenance imported from England by J Assenheim NY.

Antique Japanese Bronze planter with dragon image on one side and Mt Fugi on the other. Original deep brown rich patina. The bottom has been replaced with a wood stand. Measuring 10" x 9".

Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907) Chinese poly chrome pottery figure of a female musician with old hongmu rosewood stand. 6" L x 4.5" W x 6" H. In antique condition.

Parisian Girl by Roger Etienne (1922s - 1980s) Etienne was born in Paris in 1922 and as far as I know is still living in Southern California. He is a well listed and popular French impressionist who worked in a variety of media, oil, gouache, pastel and or charcoal, some of his paintings are a collage with pieces of French newspaper incorporated in them. He painted landscapes, pictures of wide eyed children, nudes, and clowns. The Internet has revealed that he may have worked at Pablo Picasso's Workshop and Marc Chagall may have commissioned him to do work for the Paris Opera House. He has had work in museums in Paris, Zurich and Brussels. Etienne lived and was active in both France and the USA.

Antique Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Censer or incense burner. Qing Dynasty 19th century original. Measuring 4.5" x 4.5 x 3.5 Inches. In excellent antique condition.

Vintage Scrimshaw on Whales Tooth by Jon Laubin of a Schooner at full sale on both sides. Tooth 4 1/4 tall mounted on a custom wood stand. Jon Laubin was born in Hartford CT, Sailing lessons & a sailboat at age 14, a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy, traveling to foreign ports, exposure to ships of all kinds, and a love of nautical antiques, contributed to understanding the principles of accuratly drawing sailing ships. Around 1980,Jon started drawing and etching reverse scrimshaw on slate, which made nice custom coffee table tops and wall hangings. In 1981, Jon discovered whale teeth scrimshaw while visiting Mystic CT. Unable to afford antique prices, Jon started building a library of scrimshaw books & photos, buying the odd whale tooth or elephant ivory tusk tip, and started scrimming.Jon presented many of his old navy comrades with his early scrimshaws. His scrimshaw style emulates the journeyman whaler-scrimshander of the Victorian age.

Fine Antique miniature Bronze Portrait bust of a young man. Finely detailed bronze casting. Measuring 7.5" x 4 x 3.5 Inches. In excellent antique condition.

Fine antique Japanese carved wood and gilt lacquer Buddha and shrine 19th century. Professional repair to the back of shrine otherwise very fine condition. Measuring 9 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide.

Beautiful antique Tibetan silver torquoise coral pendant scent or snuff bottle. Beautiful quality antique piece. Has two loops to wear as a pendant top has been glued to stay on. Measuring 2.5" long 1 3/4" wide and 1" deep.

Gorham Sterling silver art nouveau floral design bowl elaborate monogrammed initials GER in center marked sterling with Gorham mark and number. In excellent condition some minor scratches measuring approx. 5.5 inches by 1.5 inches.

A Japanese Sumidagawa or Banko pottery figural tea pot with multiple faces or mask images. A charming piece with bamboo handle impressed mark on bottom. Measuring approx. 7 inches tall from bottom to top of handle in excellent condition.

Sumida pottery is a heavy, brightly glazed pottery and often has human and animal figures attached as reliefs. This pottery has its name from the Sumida river in an area near Tokyo. The origins of Sumida pottery are in the mist. It is probably a creation of a family of potters from the nineteenth century. Sumida pottery was probably produced mainly for export to the West.

A beautiful original oil on canvas board by Renowned Laguna artist signed lower right and dated measuring 20 x 24 framed in a quality 24k gold leaf frame by Sean Speck of Los Angeles.

Biography>Born in Ravenna, Ohio, Anna Althea Hills was a prominent California landscape painter who was also remembered as a civic leader in Laguna Beach. In addition to painting in her native state, she was active in Arizona. She was raised in Olivet, Michigan, and attended Olivet College. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, Cooper Union in New York, and privately with Arthur Dow. After further study at the Academie Julian in Paris and traveling throughout Europe for four years, she moved to Laguna Beach in 1913 and was painting in Arizona as early as 1914. The landscape of the West inspired her to adopt a light, colorful Impressionist palette. In spite of a severe spinal injury, she took adventurous painting trips into remote mountain areas. She also supervised a Sunday School for ten years, and was a six-year president of the Laguna Beach Art Association and helped raise funds to build the existing museum. Her early works of genre and interiors were much darker than her later California landscapes and marine scenes. She combined watercolor and oil and painted in a decorative style. Sources: Edan Hughes, Artists in California, 1786-1940

Chinese antique jade and rosewood opium pipe circa 1890. A beautiful example with mottled jade bowl in the shape of a fist pipe damper and mouthpiece are also jade the pipe stem is rosewood. Measuring approx. 14.5 inches in length the bowl 2.5 in diameter. A fine example would make a nice addition to any collection.