John Leslie Breck (American, 1860-1899) Marsh View

Description:

John Leslie Breck (American, 1860-1899)

Marsh View
Signed and dated "John Leslie Breck/18..." l.r., inscribed and numbered "Breck...
1387" in pencil on the stretcher, with a partial label also numbered "138..." from the Lincoln Street Art Store, Boston, Massachusetts, on the stretcher.
Oil on canvas, 18 x 22 in. (45.7 x 56.0 cm),framed.
Condition: Small tear with paint loss u.c., scattered accretions, surface grime.

Provenance: From the collection of Merrill B. and Gertrude Mae Gardner, Somerset, Massachusetts, to the current owner by family descent.
Estimate $70,000-90,000

Paint loss of 1/4 inch u.c. in the area of the tear. The damage appears to be more the result of an abrasion than a puncture. The tear measures 1/4 inch, measured from the reverse. Accretions in the form of tiny drops of white paint, around a half dozen, scattered on the paint surface with a couple on the frame as well. There is a slightly larger daub of white paint in the u.r. quadrant with a diameter of 3/16 inch. There is a brown mark, probably dirt/accretion, to the u.r. corner measuring 1 inch. Minor paint losses at upper center at the frame edge. Small tack holes visible at three of the corners, with a cluster of tack holes at the u.l. corner. Painting was not removed from its frame during examination.

The top stretcher bar is inscribed "Breck…1387" in pencil with the red Lincoln Street Art Store label placed over the center of the inscription. The label probably bore the same number "1387," but the last digit was lost along with a section of the label at some point. The pencil inscription between the artist's name and the number has been partially covered, but to the right of the label there remains one indistinct word, "Clare…," crossed out, followed by the number 1387 as described above.



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.

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