09-27-201709-28-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
3029BBoston
September 27, 2017 12:00 PMCalender
254

George Inness (American, 1825-1894) The Pond at Sunset

Sell one like this
$15,990$13,000
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 3029BLocation: BostonDate / Time: September 27, 2017 4:00PM

Description:

George Inness (American, 1825-1894)

The Pond at Sunset, alternatively titled Sunset
Signed "G. Inness" l.l., titled on a presentation plaque, alternative title in a letter from Michael Quick.
Oil on canvas, 8 3/4 x 15 7/8 in. (22.2 x 40.3 cm),framed.
Condition: Mounted to wood panel, stable craquelure and drying cracks, old retouch, areas of possible minor overcleaning.

N.B. The lot is accompanied by a copy of a letter from Michael Quick dated April 22, 2010, to the owner of the painting in which he provided the title Sunset and dated the landscape to 1865-67. (The letter replaced a letter dated March 23, 2009, which was written by Dr. Quick to the former owner.) In the letter, Dr. Quick wrote that this work dates from a period when "...Inness favored more complicated compositions of this kind, and when his technique used the extensive colored glazes that add rich atmosphere and color to Sunset. Often, as in this case, sharp detail in a large foreground tree is contrasted with the deftly managed softness of the glazed middle ground and distance. During the period Inness also painted a few landscapes with dimly seen mystical cities, as in this painting."
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Wood panel measures 9 x 16 1/8 in. Framed dimensions are 18 3/4 x 25 5/8 in. The frame appears to be period if not original given that the presentation plaque does not list the date of death of the artist, only his birth year. Inscribed "Tryon" in pencil on the back of the frame. Numbered "1518-1" on a gummed label on the reverse. Also with a plain black wax seal on the reverse. Red with white print framer's label, now illegible, affixed to the back of the frame, the firm name ending in"... LER" and the address on Madison Avenue, New York.

Under UV examination, the surface presents as veiled milky white, with the suggestion of retouch to the u.l. corner and in the center of sky.

In Dr. Quick's letter, he noted that some solvent abrasion has removed some colored glazes from the sky in the center and right of center and slightly abraded outlines of the tops of some of the trees. He suggested that an experienced and sensitive conservator could skillfully restore the full beauty of this appealing landscape.


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

Michael Quick