20th Century Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Starlight and Feather Pendants Symbols of Grace and Strength Jewelry Design circa mid 20th century by Paul Touzet (French b. 1917) original gouache painting, with pencil on tracing p...

Japan Issue Fortune Magazine Cover Proposal Japanese Mid-Century Illustration Antonio Petruccelli (1907 - 1994) JAPAN ISSUE Fortune cover proposal, c. 1936 14 1/4 x 12 inches (sight) Framed 19 3/4 X 17 3/4 Inches Gouache on board Signed lower left BIOGRAPHY: Antonio Petruccelli (1907-1994) began his career as a textile designer. He became a freelance illustrator in 1932 after winning several House Beautiful cover illustration contests. In addition to 24 Fortune magazine covers, four New Yorker covers, several for House Beautiful, Collier’s, and other magazines he did numerous illustrations for Life magazine from the 1930s – 60s. ‘Tony was Mr. Versatility for Fortune. He could do anything, from charts and diagrams to maps, illustrations, covers, and caricatures,’ said Francis Brennan, the former art director for Fortune. Over the course of his career, Antonio won several important design awards, designing a U.S. Postage Stamp Commemorating the Steel Industry and designing the Bicentennial Medal...

Charles Demuth was one of the most complex, talented, and deeply sensitive artists of the American modern period. Whether he was painting floral still lifes, industrial landscapes, or Turkish bathhouses, art was, for Demuth, fraught with personal meaning. A fixture of the vanguard art scene in New York, Demuth navigated the currents of Modernism, producing some of the most exquisite watercolors and original oil paintings in twentieth-century American art. Demuth was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the only child of a well-to-do family. He had an awkward and introverted childhood shaped by a childhood illness, Perthes, a disease of the hip that not only left him permanently lame, but, as part of the “cure,” bedridden for two years in the care of his mother. This long period of incapacitation had a deep impact on Demuth, who came to see himself as an invalid, an outsider who was different from everyone else. It was perhaps during this period of indoor confinement that his keen interest in art developed. Several relatives on his father’s side had been amateur artists, and, following his convalescence, his mother encouraged his artistic pursuits by sending him to a local painter for instruction. The majority of his early pictures are of flowers, a subject for which Demuth maintained a lifelong passion. Following high school, Demuth enrolled at the Drexel Institute of Art in Philadelphia, a school renowned for its commercial arts program. He advanced through the program rapidly, and, in 1905, at the encouragement of his instructors, he began taking courses at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The two leading teachers then at the Academy were William Merritt Chase and Thomas Anshutz. Anshutz, himself a former student of Thomas Eakins, was well liked by his students, and is best known as the teacher of Robert Henri, John Sloan, and several of the other artists of the Ashcan School. Demuth, too, adopted a similar idiom, working in a controlled, realistic manner while at the Academy, where he remained until 1910. In 1907, Demuth made his first trip to Europe, staying in Paris. He spent time on the periphery of the art scene composed of the numerous American artists there, including John Marin and Edward Steichen. He returned to Philadelphia five months later, and immediately resumed courses at the Academy. Despite his introduction to advanced modern styles in Europe, Demuth’s work of this period retains the academic style he practiced before the trip. It wasn’t until he had summered at New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 1908 and 1911, that his style began to evolve. New Hope was a prominent American Impressionist art colony whose members were largely affiliated with the Pennsylvania Academy. Demuth dropped the conservative tone of his style and adopted a freer and more colorful palette. Although he remained based in Philadelphia, Demuth frequently went to New York during this period. Many of the same American artists of the Parisian art scene Demuth had encountered on his earlier European trip now formed the nucleus of New York’s avant-garde, which centered around Alfred Stieglitz’s 291 gallery. It wasn’t long before Demuth began to apply modernist-inspired strategies to his work. He was particularly influenced by the watercolor work of John Marin, also a former student of Anshutz, whose bold use of color in the medium Demuth freely adapted into looser washes of color. In 1912, Demuth again left for Paris, this time studying in the Académie Moderne, Académie Colorossi, and Académie Julian. In Paris Demuth met the American modernist Marsden Hartley. Hartley, a principal figure in the expatriate art circle, acted as a mentor to Demuth, and introduced him to the wide array of modern styles currently practiced in Europe. Hartley also introduced Demuth to many of the members of the Parisian avant-garde, including Gertrude Stein. Demuth was an aspiring writer, and he spent many hours in conversation with Stein. He wrote extensively during this period, and published two works shortly after his return to America. He also developed an interest in illustrating scenes from literary texts. From 1914 to 1919, Demuth produced a series of watercolors of scenes from books such as Emile Zola’s Nana and Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw. Upon his return to America, Demuth settled in New York. In 1914, Demuth had his first one-man show at Charles Daniel’s gallery, which promoted emerging modern American artists, including Man Ray, Rockwell Kent, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Stuart Davis, and Max Weber. Demuth drew closer to the artistic vanguard in New York, becoming friends with many in the Stieglitz and Daniel circles, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Marcel Duchamp, Carl Van Vechten, and Edward Fiske. New York’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and active nightlife appealed greatly to Demuth. In a sketchy style well suited to watercolor, he painted many vaudeville and circus themes, as well as nightclub, café, and bathhouse scenes. Often with Duchamp, Demuth took part in an urban subculture replete with nightclubs, bars, drugs, and sexual permissiveness, which, for a homosexual artist like himself, allowed room for previously unattainable personal expression. Demuth’s pictures of sailors, bathhouses, and circus performers embody a sensual and sexual undercurrent, expressing the artist’s sense of comfort and belonging in the bohemian subculture of New York. Simultaneously, Demuth deepened his interest in floral pictures, painting these almost exclusively in watercolor. His style evolved from the broad color washes of his earlier pictures to more spare, flattened, and sinuous compositions, inspired by the drawings of Aubrey Beardsley and other artists of the Aesthetic Movement. Demuth’s flower watercolors are moody and atmospheric, sensuous and elegant, introspective and yet full of expressive power. Moreover they are beautiful, and are unequivocally among the finest still lifes in American art. Despite numerous subsequent artistic undertakings that led him in a variety of directions, Demuth never stopped painting flower pictures, ultimately adding fruits and other still-life objects to his repertoire. In 1916, Demuth began to develop a style later known as Precisionism, a form of landscape painting infused with Cubism, in which space is divided into precisely drawn geometric regions of color. Demuth first began to paint the landscape in an appropriated Cubist mode while on a trip with Hartley to Bermuda. In these early landscapes, in which the curvilinear forms of trees intersect the geometrically articulated architectural forms, Demuth explored ideas that shaped the future development of modernism in America. The full realization of Demuth’s explorations came after his return to America in 1917, when he turned his attention to industrial subjects. These works derive from a “machine aesthetic,” espoused by New York artists such as Francis Picabia, Joseph Stella, Albert Gleizes, and Duchamp, by which artists viewed machines as embodying mystical, almost religious significance as symbols of the modern world. Rather than painting the skyscrapers and bridges of New York as did most of his like-minded contemporaries, Demuth returned to his home town of Lancaster, where he painted factories and warehouses in a Precisionist idiom. The titles for these pictures are often contain literary references, which serve as clues for the viewer to aid in the decoding of the artist’s meaning. In 1923, Demuth planned a series of abstract “poster portraits” of his friends and contemporaries in the New York art and literary scene. In these “portraits,” Demuth combined text and symbolic elements to evoke the essential nature of his sitters’ distinguishing characteristics. In this fashion, he painted portraits of such artists as Georgia O’Keeffe, John Marin, and Arthur Dove. His most famous poster portrait, I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

Three design-quality illustrations of Hahn (Steyr-Hahn) brand Air Pellet Pistols by Edward T. Liljenwall (American, 1943-2010). Each pistol is expertly rendered, with smooth shading ...

A set of two very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection i...

Highly detailed watercolor of an amaryllis blossom by Joe Yeager (American, early-mid 20th Century). Signed "Joe Yeager" in pen under one of the petals. Pre...

Trompe-l'Oeil Study Watercolor on heavy wove paper, 1943 Signed with the artists initials, lower center of image; Dated 1943, lower center of image Provenance: Swann Galleries, 2007, realized $2,640 Condition: Excellent. Fresh colors. Framed with conservation glass. Sheet: 14 3/4 x 11 1/4" Frame size: 20 3/4 x 17 Berman brothers (painters) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Eugene Berman in Italy in the 1960s Eugène Berman (Russian: Евгений Густавович Берман; 4 November 1899, Saint Petersburg, Russia – 14 December 1972, Rome) and his brother Leonid Berman...

Drawing on paper is his basic work tool, some are sketches of his surviving works, others are sketches of moments he documents. Undefined by medium, Celso Castro’s works each carry...

Medium: Pencil on paper Size: 7.5 inches (height) x 9.75 inches (width) Signed: No Condition: Good condition, with small tear on the edges Provenance: From the artist's estate Desc...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came t...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

Set of six Silver Rings Jewelry Design circa mid 20th century by Paul Touzet (French b. 1917) original gouache painting, with pencil on tracing paper, unframed measurements in left ...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

"Flowers" by Marie-Amelie Chautard-Carreau (French, 19th/20th century) watercolour on paper, unframed painting: 4.25 x 6 inches Delightful early 20th century French watercolour dep...

Watercolor on heavy paper realized by Carlo Ravagnan in 1978. Hand signed lower left. Dated on rear. Excellent condition.

Watercolor on heavy paper realized by Carlo Ravagnan in 1970s. Hand signed lower right. Excellent condition.

Two very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey,...

Watercolor on heavy paper realized by Carlo Ravagnan in 1970s. Hand signed lower right. Excellent condition.

Watercolor on heavy paper mounted on wooden panel, realized by Carlo Ravagnan in 1973. Hand signed lower left. Dated on rear. Very good condition.

Pleasing still life watercolor by artist J. Alvermann, 1956. Signed and dated lower right. Original artwork on paper displayed on a white mat with a gold border. Mat fits a stand...

Silken Knot: The Elegance of Tied Silver Jewelry Design circa mid 20th century by Paul Touzet (French b. 1917) original gouache painting, with pencil on tracing paper, unframed over...

Watercolor on heavy paper realized by Carlo Ravagnan in 1972. Hand signed lower left. Dated on rear. Excellent condition.

Two very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey,...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, England and had been part of an album of works assembled by the artist during the early 1900's. During the Victorian and Edwardian era in Britain, it was very fashionable for ladies of aristocratic and wealthy backgrounds to draw and paint still lifes of flowers and plants that they had picked or seen in gardens. Many were highly accomplished and extremely talented artists, who sadly were not encouraged to exhibit due to society frowning upon such activities. Artist/ School: Caroline Worsley...

Clean and detailed watercolor of blue flag irises by David Wang (Chinese-American, 20th Century). Signed in the lower right corner by the artist. Presented in a double mat of cream and light purple, and a wood frame with plexiglass. Image size: 20.5"H x 28"W David Wang is a native of Beijing, China. He gained his education from the Beijing Education College of China in 1984, where he learned various techniques in drawing, watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, graphic design, and Chinese watercolor. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree, he became a fine arts teacher. During his eight years of teaching, he has taught hundreds of quality students, some becoming professional artists and cinematographers. Wang has also accomplished several major art and design projects, such as designing and creating an exhibit of the Terra-Cotta army warriors in the Forbidden City and interior designs for shopping plazas in Beijing. In 1988, David came to the U.S as a visitor scholar and studied at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. After his studies in 1992, he continued his profession as a full-time artist. For twelve years, he had a successful career creating visual art for the Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida Studio. He worked as a senior background artist doing work from concept development to production final work. His work has achieved him credits on: "Pocahontas," "Mulan," "Tarzan," "Lilo & Stitch," "Brother Bear," and "The Princess and the Frog...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came...

"Flowers" by Marie-Amelie Chautard-Carreau (French, 19th/20th century) signed bottom right watercolour on paper, unframed painting: 6 x 9.25 inches Delightful early 20th century Fr...

CLAES-THOBOIS Albert Statue. Pastel. Signed and dated 1929. Provenance : Collection of the mistress of the artist. Born in Ixelles in 1883, Claes-Thobois studied at the Academy of Brussels under Constant Montald...

Very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, Eng...

Work on paper Support size 17 x 24 x 0.4 cm

Eve Nethercott, American (1925 - 2015) - Flowers (P6.49), Year: 1948, Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Size: 22 x 15 in. (55.88 x 38.1 cm), Description: Set against a washed back...

Colorful study of grape leaves in autumn with abstracted elements and a pink/magenta background by California artist Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). From the est...

(Note: This work is part of our exhibition Connected by Creativity: WPA Era Works from the Collection of Leata and Edward Beatty Rowan) Watercolor...

A French Art Deco illustrative drawing, hand painted in ink and gouache on blue laid paper. The design includes a collection of fashion accessories, handbags, gloves, hats, and perfu...

Vase of Flowers by Ronald Birch, British circa 1970's watercolour on art paper, unframed overall paper measures: 15 x 22.25 inches *FREE SHIPPING ON THIS PAINTING*: AMERICAN, EUROPE...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

Books with yellow flowers. 1980's, watercolor on paper, 73x54 cm Jekabs Arturs Springis (1907– 2004) Painter, Latvia 1924 – 1927 – he learned at Aizpute Secondary School 1927 – 1...

Signed. Presented in a white-painted wooden frame. Title inscribed on label verso. On paper.

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, England and had been part of an album of works assembled by the artist during the early 1900's. During the Victorian and Edwardian era in Britain, it was very fashionable for ladies of aristocratic and wealthy backgrounds to draw and paint still lifes of flowers and plants that they had picked or seen in gardens. Many were highly accomplished and extremely talented artists, who sadly were not encouraged to exhibit due to society frowning upon such activities. Artist/ School: Caroline Worsley...

Two very fine original antique English botanical watercolour paintings depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey,...

"Flowers" by Marie-Amelie Chautard-Carreau (French, 19th/20th century) set of 2 watercolour on paper, unframed top painting : 5 x 7.75 inches, signed bottom right bottom painting: 5...

Eve Nethercott, American (1925 - 2015) - Vase of Flowers (P3.15), Year: 1960-61, Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Size: 13 x 17 in. (33.02 x 43.18 cm), Description: Filled with l...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, England and had been part of an album of works assembled by the artist during the early 1900's. During the Victorian and Edwardian era in Britain, it was very fashionable for ladies of aristocratic and wealthy backgrounds to draw and paint still lifes of flowers and plants that they had picked or seen in gardens. Many were highly accomplished and extremely talented artists, who sadly were not encouraged to exhibit due to society frowning upon such activities. Artist/ School: Caroline Worsley...

A very fine original antique English botanical watercolour painting depicting this beautiful depiction of a flower/ plant. The work came to us from a private collection in Surrey, En...

Robert Peterson, "Flower," pastel on paper, 19 x 26 1/4 inches paper size, 27 1/4 x 35 inches including white mat and frame. The artwork is floated in the mat and only hinged at the...

Polaroid transfer drawing of a Classical column base on Rives BFK paper by Mark Beard 7 x 9.5 inch image size 22 x 15 inch paper size Ed. 1/6, Polaroid Transfer on Rives BFK paper, u...

Finely detailed figurative illustration of a young woman leaning against a fence. The woman is wearing a plaid dress and bonnet with a black ribbon. Some of the landscape has been il...

Work on paper Dimensions with passepartout: 40.6 x 29.5cm This captivating watercolor depicts a vibrant bouquet of brightly colored flowers. The work boasts a dynamic composition in ...

Vibrant, saturated watercolor of yellow daises and other flowers by Walnut Creek, California artist Olga Degles (French/American, 1911-1999). Several dais...