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
Wooden frame with some water damage (flaking) on the bottom and top left.
I don’t even know where to start, because I love this so much I nearly kept it for myself instead of posting it here. The text on the bottom reads: “WASHINGTON’S RECEPTION BY THE LADIES, ON PASSING THE BRIDGE AT TRENTON, N.J. 1789. ON HIS WAY TO NEW YORK TO BE INAUGURATED FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.”
For reasons beyond my comprehension, only selected portions of this print were colorized – the ladies’ flowers, the future President’s jacket and saddle, and of course, the American flag. I’m still dumbstruck. I think this speaks for itself. (It whispers to me, it says… “I am TOTALLY RAD.” Thanks, talking print.) Perfect for anyone with a little bit of state pride, an interest in history, or love of the ladies. Anyone I missed? $39.99
Cloth-covered frame with stain on left side.
I’m not exactly sure if this is a watercolor, though that’s my best guess. I do know that it is a wonderful blur of movement, with thick, bold lines and intense bursts of color; in other words, it really captures the orchestrated frenzy of choreographed dance. The frame is not in great shape, sadly, and the stain on the cloth of the frame looks like oil paint or something similarly stubborn. The painting is signed; to me it looks like “V. Pzthnfe” which probably isn’t right. $18.99
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
Gilded frame with some chipping, print yellowed, dirt beneath glass but can be cleaned.
A lovely French print of a couple in 19th century garb kissing while a woman tends to the fireplace. Main text beneath the print reads “L’ORAISON DE SAINT-JULIEN.” (The Prayer of Saint Julian) Sure to raise the temperature wherever you hang it! The print itself is in good condition with some yellowing, however a few pieces of dirt and a thin sliver of wood have gotten beneath the glass. $11.99
Burnished metallic frame with carved details.
A lovely little painting, this still life is highly versatile and would do well in any room of the house. The freshness of the blossoms is a welcome reminder of the beginning of spring, even as we slowly slip into summer. (Or we would slip into summer, if it would ever stop raining!) $49.99
Wooden frame, glass plate, one crease along the middle, slight water damage along right side.
Although it has only three colors of paint, this painting is vivid and bubbly with attractive bursts of color. It’s a lot of fun, verging perhaps on “festive” — a very approachable painting that is lively and happy. When I found this one, I started grinning — how can you not? $49.99