Dense and vibrant, this unique painting draws you in with its bold colors and lines. There are unexpected bits of delicacy, too, like the vendedora’s lace collar. Canvas shows some wear on close inspection. Plain wooden frame, 1/2” wide. Signed “Fornes”, dated 1957. $300
Does exactly what it says on the tin. Four bursts of color masquerading as flowers. Clearly the work of a very skilled artist; depth and definition are emphasized by the layers of paint and where the artist has chosen to achieve very fine linework by taking a knife and carefully scraping away some of those very same layers. Beautiful wooden frame 4.5” around. Indistinct signature, dated 1963, $450, or buy this together with its sister piece, Vases, Still Life, and get both for $900, saving you a hundred bucks.
This work of outsider art is sure to cause a stir. The brightly-colored landscape will light up any room, while the number and variety of people pop against the background. Signed “Raymond Gallo”, this painting has a strip molded frame to maintain the integrity of the canvas without detracting from the painting itself. Some wear in lower right corner; frame in okay condition with some chips – because the color and style are both so bold, imperfections in the frame are not noticeable when hung on a wall. $200
Gilded antique frame, some wear on outer corners.
A man in black, looking dapper, head turned over his shoulder. The simplicity of his cape and scarf are contrasted with the detailed depiction of his walking stick and the attention paid to his (somewhat puzzling) facial expression. Definitely a bold painting, but not overwhelming owing to the small size of the picture. Great for rooms with more modern art or East Asian-influenced décor. $14.99
Venetian Gondolas, 7” x 9”, carved wood frame.
A lovely little picture of a canal full of gondolas, lots of movement. This is a color print, possibly of an old photograph, and has some small water damage in the upper left and right corners but doesn’t pop out at the viewer save on close inspection. The frame really makes this picture, and it’s very versatile; this piece can fit in with more classical 19th century paintings or with modern pieces with strong, thick lines with ease – plus, any of these small paintings are great clustered together in a hallway or living-room wall. $12.99SOLD
Wood frame (outer white molding, inside reddish wood with some stains).
I am pretty much the exact opposite of an ornithologist, so I did a little research on Coracias Spatulatus. It’s a racket-tailed roller, related to all sorts of other rollers whose name comes from the acrobatic routines performed as part of mating rituals. (Or so says Wikipedia. Wikipedia also says that the proper way to meet a magpie is to say “Good morning, Mr Magpie” and then to salute it. This is not really relevant. I’m sorry.) Back to the topic at hand! This particular roller is found throughout southern Africa, as far north as the Democratic Republic of the Congo all the way down to South Africa. This is a beautiful, colorful print great for the avid fan of avians or just your average schlub who likes pretty things, much like yours truly. $34.99 SOLD.
Gilded wood frame, with some chipping/wear (mostly on left side)
Another French print with three charming girls of varying ages: the eldest holds a parasol, the middle girl picks flowers, the youngest is entranced by some Lepidoptera that’s flown into her net. Text beneath the print reads: Journal des Demoiselles, Paris, Boulevart des Italiens. Print is in good shape, but the frame has a fair amount of wear. $14.99