discoveries
Vincent van Gogh Still-Life Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853–1890) Nature Morte avec un Paquet de Tabac, circa 1884–1885 Canvas on panel 12 x 16 inches Signed Vincent (lower left) Courtesy of M.S. Rau Antiques, New Orleans, LA
While at an associate’s home, a painting caught the eye of M.S. Rau Antiques owner Bill Rau—a still-life by Vincent van Gogh. The painting is emotional and thought-provoking; all characteristics inextricably tied to the artist. At the time he completed the piece, van Gogh was studying under his cousin, Anton Mauve, a highly accomplished artist of the Hague School. Bill asked if the owner was willing to sell, but there was no interest. The owner, however, promised to keep the offer in mind. Years passed and one day Bill learned that the owner of the painting had passed away. He tried to reach out to the heirs, but to no avail. Soon after, a friend of Bill’s began speaking of a remarkable Van Gogh still-life he had seen at a party. Bill realized it was the same painting. He acquired the current owner’s information and, after a little more work, the breathtaking van Gogh was finally his.
Portrait of Charles Seward’s Farm Attributed to Granville Bishop (1831–1902), circa 1875 Oil on fine linen 43 x 54 inches Courtesy Thurston Nichols American Antiques, Breiningsville, PA
This painting is the quintessence of a folk farm scene, boasting many prized livestock, beautiful land, and a strong architectural presence. An independent appraiser saw the painting at Thurston Nichols’ shop and divulged that she knew of an identical painting by the same artist and of the same farm. Her client, the owner of the other painting and a direct descendent of the farm’s original proprietor, however, remained tight-lipped about its whereabouts and provenance. With just a few tidbits of information, Nichols went to work, contacting the Indiana Historical Society to try to find some leads. With their help, he discovered tax records and learned that the farm, originally owned by Charles Seward, was one of the preeminent grain farms in Howard County, Indiana, and that the painting was done by Granville Bishop, an itinerant artist working in central Indiana. One of Bishop’s works is represented in the Indiana State Museum’s collection. Nichols’ farm portrait is the third known Granville Bishop painting in existence, and an historic representation of nineteenth century agrarian life. 14
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3/24/11 4:43:23 PM