03-02-201403-02-2014
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2710BBoston
March 2, 2014 10:00 AMCalender
188

Attributed to George Beck (British/Baltimore/Philadelphia, 1748-1812) A South View of the City of Washington.

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$13,530$11,000
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2710BLocation: BostonDate / Time: March 02, 2014 10:00AM

Description:

Attributed to George Beck (British/Baltimore/Philadelphia, 1748-1812)

A South View of the City of Washington. Unsigned, titled in a period ink inscription on verso. Gouache on paper, 14 1/2 x 19 1/2 in., in a later molded giltwood frame with eglomise mat. Condition: Minor specks of paint loss, small moisture stain c.l.

Note: George Beck was a landscape artist born in Staffordshire, England. He was mostly self-educated and was employed in 1776 by the Corps of Royal Engineers, drawing maps and battle plans in the Tower of London, which helped to hone his artistic talents. His early British landscapes and those by his wife Mary, also an artist, were featured at the Royal Academy of London from 1780-1793. In 1795, the couple migrated to the United States, hoping the sale of their paintings would be more profitable.
The Becks first lived in Baltimore, where George painted scenes of the Potomac River, including two works, The Potomac River Breaking through the Blue Ridge, and The Great Falls of the Potomac (c. 1796-1797) which were purchased by George Washington in 1797 to hang at Mount Vernon.

The couple moved to Philadelphia for a short time before they traveled from Philadelphia in 1804 to Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls, and Ohio, finally settling in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1809. Mary opened a girl's school there and George established a boy's school, but devoted most of his time to painting, writing poetry, and translating classic Greek and Roman texts. The Becks remained in Lexington until George's death in 1812.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Scattered specks of paint loss. In the central tree on the trunk, and foliage at c. l., on the grassy bank to the left of the tree, and a some on the group of trees in the background just to the right of the houses.
There is a moisture stain in the sky about 3/4 in. dia. left of the large tree at center.



The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

George Beck, Philadelphia, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, Corps of Royal Engineers, London, Tower of London, Royal Academy of London, Mary, United States, Potomac River, Great Falls, Lexington, George Washington, Mount Vernon, Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh, Ohio, Kentucky