Description:

North America, United States, ca. mid 20th century CE. A trompe l'oeil painting in watercolor, ink, and gouache on board, the composition depicting a folded ten dollar bill over a flat two dollar bill which is in turn laid upon a stamped and postmarked envelope, as well as a fragment of a note or letter to the left, all upon a wooden table, the knots and patterns of which are also intended to deceive or fool the eye. The genre of trompe l'oeil (deception of the eye) was given to the art of illusionism, metaphor, and allegory. Although the artist of this piece has not been identified, the painting resembles the style of Otis Kaye (American, 1885-1974) who was especially known for his paintings of U.S. currency and worked in the tradition of William Harnett, John Frederick Peto, and John Haberle. The name "Cornelius" written in pencil on the verso may be a reference to the Flemish painter Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts (ca. 1630 - ca. 1675), which this piece post-dates but may have been a source of inspiration. Size: 9.25" L x 15.625" W (23.5 cm x 39.7 cm)

Provenance: Ex Historia Antiques (James Caswell), Santa Monica, California USA

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#124477

  • Condition: Verso of board shows expected discoloration and some notations, a phrase in pencil that appears to read "Money picture" and the name "Cornelius" which may be a reference to the Flemish painter Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts (ca. 1630 - ca. 1675), which this piece post-dates as noted below.

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July 11, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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