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Signatures with initials only

Monogrammed initials-only signature of Frederick Ferdinand Schafer

Some paintings are signed with just the two initials "F" and "S", which may be conjoined in a monogram. Such paintings are doubly problematic because there are many artists with the same initials and because a two-letter signature is too brief for good comparison with other, similar signatures. So far, only two paintings that are almost certainly by Frederick Ferdinand Schafer have emerged that are signed with just initials. One of these signatures is shown at the left. The two paintings are pendants and they are signed with initials conjoined with the same monogram form used by Schafer at the front of his surname to sign many of his other paintings.

Other artists who sign with initials only

Below are several examples of paintings signed only with initials. Based on composition, style, and palette, it is unlikely that any of these are by Frederick Ferdinand Schafer. The first of these paintings is identified on the back as being by Fred Swanwell (1844-1916) who, according to Hughes, Edan Milton, 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 useful comparisons.

The last three paintings are of distinctly different genres and their monogrammed signatures, though sharing a construction similar to that of Schafer's monogram, are distinctively different from his.

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] signed "FS 190?" Oil on canvas, 30 x 60 in Seattle Art Museum (deaccessioned) Clar's Auction Gallery photograph
Sacramento River signed "F.S." Oil on panel, 8 x 6 in eBay vendor Vendor's photograph
[Victorian pastoral scene] signed "F.S. 1864" oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in (est.) owner's photograph, 2021
Drawing of a Horse signed "FS" (monogram 1) Watercolor/gouache on paper, 7 x 8.5 in owner's photograph, 2006
[Times Square, 1982] signed "FS"(monogram 2) unreported medium and size dealer's photograph, 2016
[Woman with Keys] signed "FS" (monogram 3) unreported medium and size owner's photograph, 2019

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