Medium: | oil on canvas, apparently lined (see verso image) |
Size: | 24 x 16 in (61 x 41 cm) |
Inscription: | Bears signature l/r "F Sc* ***r" angled, only partially readable in the photograph and in a hand that does not appear to be that of the artist. |
Verso: | Lined, no visible inscriptions on stretcher bars. On outer frame u/l, a sticker label "SCHAFER, Frederick / Los Gatos Creek $3,300" |
Provenance: | In collection of Edan Milton Hughes (1935–2015), San Francisco, by 1999, inventory #983; to his estate on his passing 21 April 2015; offered Sunday, 17 October 2021, by Clar's Auction Gallery as lot 2389 in a "Jewelry, Furniture, Art, Asian" auction (not sold); sold 19 November 2021 for $850 by Clar's Auction Gallery as lot 4191 in an "Early European & American Art & Furniture" auction. |
Attribution: | Although the signature is problematic and the canvas lining may have hidden a title inscription, the subject matter, composition, palette, botanically accurate trees, sky treatment, foreground detail, and background mountain profile all are typical and suggest that the painting is probably attributed correctly. |
Description: | Under a bright blue sky with some indistinct clouds a broadleaf forest lines both sides of a stream at the lower left. On the right side two tall green trees with whitish lower trunks stand silhouetted against the sky; in the foreground is a boulder with a fallen snag just behind it. The distant left bank of the creek another tall tree reaches just above the horizon. In the distance is the outline of a dark moutain ridge. (From a color photograph.) |
Note: | The Hughes website reported the size as 20 x 12 in but the proportions of the photographic image of 1.5:1 match the 24 x 16 in size found in the Clar's Auction Gallery sale catalog. In fall, 1999, an image of this painting was posted on the World-Wide Web site that displays the collection of Edan Milton Hughes (1935–2015). It was simultaneously offered for sale by california-art.com using the Hughes inventory number. |
Identification: | Title of unknown origin, as reported by collection of Edan Milton Hughes (1935–2015) and appearing on the verso sticker. |
In index(es): | Title list, mountain streams through a forest, Santa Cruz mountains, California |