How to evaluate a postcard
JF sends me a picture postcard from the Panama Pacific International Exposition of San Francisco, circa 1915. What follows is a key to valuation of postcards in general – and …
Lassen Art
M.H. from Ventura has a print by Christian Riese Lassen, a fine Hawaiian marine artist. The work is titled at the top “The Circle of Life,” with the artist’s name …
1888 NY American Bible
TK and her mom found this old bible, Old and New Testament, published by the NY American Bible Society, 1888. TK wants to know if it’s worth something. Every family …
Thai Midcentury “Happy Peasant” Art
B.W. from Montecito has a painting of colorful straw-hatted workers in a rice paddy, which she believes was purchased in Thailand. It is signed “Sujarit”: the artist is Sujarit Hirankul …
Meissonier Painting
P.P. sends me a copper plate engraving on paper which is signed Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier (1815-91), a French Classicist painter known for his portrayal of cocky handsome soldiers, ‘bonhommes’ – original …
Two Chinese Works of Art
DC sends me two Chinese works, one an ink and gouache painting on paper, and one a silk embroidery on silk. The painting depicts a lone, bearded, fur-cloaked man of …
Two Early Greek Vases: Fake or REAL?
PH sends me two pieces of ceramics in the style of Attic figural (Greek) vase painting. PH wants to know if he has something of ancient history, dating from the …
What’s the significance of this Roy Lichtenstein print?
EE sends me what might be every woman’s wish, here voiced in the form of pop art: Roy Lichtenstein’s print entitled “Well, if they can put one man on the …
Fred Harvey Thunderbird Necklace
JS sends me a figure of an abstracted spread-winged Thunderbird, pictured in an oval necklace made of copper of about 3 inches long. This is a piece from a Fred …
Italian Barometer/Thermometer
R.S. sends me an ornate Renaissance Revival style hand carved 19th century barometer/thermometer marked G & L Guanziroli, who was a maker of optical instruments in London (Hatton Garden) in …