Antique Oil Painting - European Maybe??

By PyroZona, 7 November, 2008
Description

I don't know any more history than what's in the short description above.  There is no signature on the front or back of the painting that I can find.  I've been trying to learn more about this piece, but I don't know that much about art.  My Uncle told me that all he knows about it is that it came from my Great Uncle Sam Pidot's gallery which was on Michigan Ave. in Chicago back in the 1940's or so.  He also told me the painting should be quite valuable.

Category
Fine Art
Medium
Oil on canvas with ornate wooden frame
Distinguishing marks
No signature that I can find anywhere
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
58" W x 43" H
Weight
Quite heavy - 2 big people necessary to move or hang
History
I inherited this painting, but was told by my Uncle that it was originally from my Great Uncle Sam Pidot's gallery on Michigan Ave. in Chicago, Ill.in the mid-1940's.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
Inherited
For Sale?
No
Photos

wallyh

16 years ago

I think a picture of the backside would help. One could see the age of the canvas and the age of the frame. The condition of the frame is almost too good to believe this is old and they are being reproduced.
No votes yet

Ok, here are two shots of the backside.  The closeup shot is of the only writing of any kind anywhere on the piece.  No idea when the pencil markings were made, but the closeup also should show a bit more detail about the age of the frame and canvas.

 Hope this helps.

 Peter

No votes yet

Lovejoy

16 years ago

It looks more like canvas board than actual canvas. Canvas is normally pulled over a frame that would be quite visable from the back with nailsaround the edge. That being said , you really need to have the piece physically examined to determine exactly what you have.

 

Lovejoy 

No votes yet

You're correct, it is a board-type material, not canvas stretched around a frame.  I know I need to have someone look at it in person, but would like to have some idea of what style/origin/era the piece is so I can find an appraiser with knowledge in that area.  I hope that makes sense...

That's the main reason for posting it here.  I'm hoping someone can give me a direction to point me in regarding finding an appraiser, I guess.

 Peter

No votes yet

wallyh

16 years ago

The back looks like masonite. That's OK, as that has been around awhile. I doubt if it's antique (over 100 years) . It may be a copy of an older painting by one of the old companies like Reofect. The big plus is the size. You won't pay off the mortgage but it should sell for several hundred.
No votes yet