Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 5/11/2007

Question
I have 2 painting (pastel, gouache, with a hint of graphite.) They are both signed JC. The signature is written as a J with the smaller C overlaying the J. They both depict a tranquil landscape. They appear to be from the mid 1800's thru the 1920's. I know that's a broad range, but I just know they are very old. Do you have any suggestions on how to find who painted these. I bought them at a local thrift store. Thanks for any help.

Answer
Hello KC - I wish I could help you more - but I'd have to be a "forensic" art historian to be able to answer your question.  What I can suggest, however, is a starting point:  if you can describe the paintings with a little more detail than a 'tranquil scene' - perhaps, meadows with church' or 'farmyard scene' - then tap that title into Google images, you might find something that resembles your painting.  Artists of the 18th and 19th centuries would often make preliminary sketches 'en plein air' (outdoors, in front of the motif) which they would then take back to the studio and work up into a larger oil painting.  Turner, Constable (could he be your 'JC'?)and some of the Impressionists favoured this method of working.  You seem to have fixed on the materials (is there evidence that they are pastel, gouache and graphite?) which may lead you to discover the maker - are there other landscapes that employ these materials/methods?  Of course, they need not be 'old' - and could be a much more recent re-working of an 'old fashioned' method or subject.  I think your best bet is to take this painting to an art dealer/antiques roadshow-type fair (specialising in 19th and 20th century artworks) to see if they can shed some light on the maker.  It would be interesting to find out where it was made, too.  A geographical location might help your search.  I suspect that if you bought it at a thrift store it's probbaly not worth much .. although there are amazing 'finds' out there.  If you like the painting - enjoy it.  If you are looking to make a profit on it then you do need the dealer.  Good luck.  Jeni