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Signatures with initials only

Paintings are sometimes encountered that are signed with the initials "F.S." Such paintings are doubly problematic, both because there may be several artists with those initials, and because a two-letter signature presents little opportunity for differential comparison with other such signatures. So far, no evidence has emerged that any painting signed "F.S" is by Frederick Ferdinand Schafer.

Below are several examples of such paintings. Based on composition, style, and palette, it is unlikely that any of these are by Schafer. The first of these paintings is identified on the back as being by Fred Swanwell (1844-1916) who, according to Edan Milton Hughes, Artists in California, 1786-1940, was a landscape artist who lived in Sacramento, California. The second is attributed to Swanwell. The basis for that attribution is not known, but both the overall style and the appearance of the signature initials do resemble that of the first painting.

The next three paintings may be by different, unidentified artists who share the initials "F.S." Unfortunately, some of the available signature details are too low in resolution to allow careful comparisons.

The last painting, a watercolor from South Carolina depicting a horse, is of a distinctly different genre. The signature is also quite different—the artist signed it with initials conjoined in a monogram.

Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Valley by Fred Swanwell Oil on canvas, 26 x 20 in Owner's photograph
[Scene near Salt Lake, UT] by "F.S.", attributed to Fred Swanwell Oil on canvas, 18 x 13 in Pacific Galleries, Seattle (2005) Dealer's photograph
[Mount Rainier at sunset] by "F.S." Oil on canvas, 30 x 60 in Seattle Art Museum William K. Dick photograph
Sacramento River by "F.S." Oil on panel, 8 x 6 in eBay vendor Vendor's photograph
[Mountain landscape] by "F.S." Oil on unknown support, 8 x 16 in William K. Dick photograph, 1971
Drawing of a Horse by "F.S." Watercolor/gouache on paper, 7 x 8.5 in owner's photograph, 2006

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