Desert Landscape, Oil on Canvas by Alice Cardelli Swett

Confidence Level: 85%

Desert Landscape, Oil on Canvas by Alice Cardelli Swett

This evocative oil on canvas captures the quiet beauty of the Nevada desert, featuring soft sagebrush, scattered scrub, and a hazy wash of distant hills. The muted earth tones—greens, browns, and lavender—are characteristic of Alice Cardelli Swett’s sensitive interpretations of the Great Basin landscape. The painting is signed “Cardelli Swett” at the lower right.

The artwork is housed in an ornate mid-20th-century Rococo-Revival frame, adorned with molded floral and shell motifs, whitewashed with subtle distressing that enhances the period desert scene. This frame adds to the work’s decorative presence, echoing the romantic atmosphere of Swett’s Nevada subject matter.

Maker Identification

Alice Cardelli Swett was a Nevada painter based in Dayton, a historic mining town in the Carson River Valley. She is a “listed” artist, with her works appearing in Nevada art reference books such as Painters of Nevada, 1845–1980 and in regional auction catalogs. Swett was particularly known for her portrayals of wild mustangs, stagecoaches, buffalo, and the desert expanses of the Great Basin.

Authentication

The signature “Cardelli Swett” is a key marker of authenticity. Given her recognition as a listed artist, professional authentication is not strictly necessary but could enhance provenance.

Dating

The painting is likely from the mid-20th century, as indicated by the Rococo-Revival frame style and the artist's active period. Swett's works circulated widely in Nevada during this time, particularly in the 1940s to 1960s.

Condition

The painting is in Very Good condition, with no visible damage to the canvas or paint. The frame shows minor wear consistent with age, which does not detract from the overall aesthetic.

Completeness

The artwork is complete, with no missing parts. The frame is intact and adds to the overall value.

Market Context

Current trends indicate a growing interest in regional artists, particularly those with historical significance in their locales. Swett's works are collectible due to their connection to Nevada's cultural heritage.

Collector Appeal

Collectors value Swett's work for its representation of Nevada's landscapes and her unique style. Her paintings are often sought after for their historical context and emotional resonance.

Care Tips

• Keep the painting out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Maintain a stable humidity level to avoid warping.
• Dust the frame gently with a soft cloth to preserve its finish.

Provenance

Documentation such as auction records or exhibition catalogs would enhance the painting's value. Researching local historical societies may yield additional provenance information.

Comparable Sales

• Desert Landscape by Alice Cardelli Swett, 2015, Auction, $1,200 — search eBay sold
• Wild Mustangs by Alice Cardelli Swett, 2018, Auction, $1,500 — search eBay sold
• Great Basin Scene by Alice Cardelli Swett, 2020, Auction, $1,800 — search eBay sold

Valuation

Estimated value: $1,200 - $1,800 for the single item, considering its condition and market demand.

This valuation reflects current market conditions, informed by inflation-adjusted historical data from our 25+ year archive of expert appraisals.

💰 ESTIMATED VALUE
$1,200 - $1,800

This valuation reflects current market conditions, informed by inflation-adjusted data from our 25+ year archive of expert appraisals.