December 2007
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/16/2008
(California, 1869-1950). 24 - 1/2'' x 21'' framed; 14 - 1/2'' x 11'' sight. SLR in red: Joseph Raphael. Raphael is one of the finest California plein-air painters, so it is reasonable to think that this oil-on-canvas painting, titled Spring Trees, is a California landscape. The tranquil river scene is executed in fall colors and depicts water flowing over rocks. Autumn foliage and evergreens are shown against a dark lavender ground. Attractive gilt frame features Classical embellishments at its corners. Raphael first studied in San Francisco at the School of Design under Arthur Mathews and Douglas Tilden. At the turn of the 20th century, he traveled to France to study at L'Ecole des Beaux Arts and Academie Julian. He remained in Europe for 37 years, returning to the United States when World War II broke out. He painted from a San Francisco studio until his death in 1950. Raphael's works are in several major California museums. This particular work is fresh to the auction market!