Depictions of sweeping landscapes, beautiful sunshine and iconic California impressionism will be the main focus for John Moran’s California & American Fine Art sale. Approximately 100 lots of 19th and 20th century pre-war fine art paintings and sculpture will be up for grabs on May 4, via a virtual bidding platform.
William Wendt (1865-1946), Dunes, Monterey, 1902. Oil on canvas laid to canvas, 24½ x 32 in., Estimate: $40/60,000
“The market for California Impressionism has certainly seen a recession,” says Morgana Blackwelder, John Moran senior vice president, “but much like other genres, there’s a group of collectors that are holding on. There’s still going to be a place for these views of nature, beautiful weather and landscapes. People still pay tribute to a time that may not really exist anymore and that historical importance will always be there. There’s a need to have a versatility within a collection and many collectors can incorporate any of these artists from the sale.”
E. Charlton Fortune (1885-1969), Still Life with Holly Berries and Figurines. Oil on board, 18 x 14 in., Estimate: $30/40,000
Top-tier California artists include William Wendt (1865-1946) with his piece Dunes, Monterey, 1902, which has an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. “This sweeping dune landscape is a painting that any collector would love,” says Blackwelder. “He tends to be more monochromatic in his usage of color palette; this example feels almost coastal, without quite adhering to it.” Wendt, considered the founding father of plein air California Impressionism, is well known for his scenes of rolling hills, green oak trees and sycamores, making Dunes quite a rare find.
Another noteworthy piece, Still Life with Holly Berries and Figurines by female Bay Area artist E. Charlton Fortune (1885-1969), is set to sell between $30,000 and $40,000. Not many of her works come to market, making this a rare gem. “This work is interesting because it’s a still life and Fortune is most known for her sweeping town scenes in a Northern California aesthetic,” Blackwelder explains. “She wasn’t particularly prolific but she’s one of the most successful California female artists to be listed.”
Franz A. Bischoff (1864-1929), California Hills. Oil on canvas, 18¼ x 24¼ in., Estimate: $15/20,000
Other significant items to watch for in the sale will be an iconic Grand Canyon painting titled A Side Canyon – Grand Canyon (est. $8/10,000), by Benjamin Chambers Brown, and California Hills ($15/20,000) by Franz A. Bischoff. Both paintings show off a breadth of skill in landscape painting. “You see a lot of technical skill in Brown’s work, whether composition or his paint application,” Blackwelder adds. “Shadows and highlights in this piece really draw the viewer into the canyon.” Bischoff’s piece is quintessential California landscape, showcasing the feel of great weather and sunshine; “One that allows viewers to feel that the West is more than just cowboys and Indians,” says Blackwelder. 
Benjamin Chambers Brown (1865-1942), A Side Canyon – Grand Canyon, ca. 1920. Oil on canvas, 20 x 16 in., Estimate: $8/10,000
While California Impressionism and American art is certainly a niche category, John Moran Auctioneers feels that the California & American Fine Art sale is something to get excited over. “It’s about being bold with your collection,” says Blackwelder. Additional pieces to keep in mind are Nymphs Under a Tree (est. $6/8,000) by Claude Curry Bohm (1894-1971) and Salt Creek Beach (est. $7/9,000) by Ben Abril (1923-1995).
Early previews of the collection are by appointment only and the sale will be held May 4 at noon Pacific Time through online, absentee or phone bidding. —
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