An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
64
JOHN FREDERICK PETO
American (1854-1907)
Still Life with Pipe, Candlestick and Book, c. 1890
oil on board, inscribed on the reverse "Painted by my father John Frederick Peto, Helen Peto Smiley"
7 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches
Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, New York, June 6, 1997, lot 200; Christie's, New York, New York, November 29, 2000, lot 53; Goldman Collection; Private Collection, New York.
Other Notes:
A shy, reclusive man who spent most of his career removed from any urban art center, John Frederick Peto has emerged as one of the most romantic and enigmatic figures in late nineteenth-century American art. Because he made no statements about his art, no personal letters have survived, and he rarely exhibited his work, he was virtually unknown until the late 1940s when art historian Alfred Frankenstein began his comprehensive study of American trompe l'oeil painters that culminated in the 1953 publication of his After the Hunt: William Michael Harnett and Other American Still Life Painters, 1870-1900. In this important work, Frankenstein recognized Peto as a distinct artistic personality whose work was frequently forged with Harnett's signature. While the two artists were friends, and often painted similar still-life subjects (books, mugs, pipes, musical instruments), Peto's work is clearly distinguished from Harnett's by its looser brushwork, softly diffused light, and sense of melancholy created by his use of aged and tattered objects. Harnett's still-life objects may be old and well-used, but they are always elegant, sumptuous, and crisply delineated. Furthermore, Harnett's work does not have the brooding, introspective mood so evident in Peto's work.
Peto's life and work was thoroughly studied by John Wilmerding in his 1983 study, Important Information Inside: The Art of John F. Peto and the Idea of Still-Life Painting in Nineteenth-Century America. Born in Philadelphia in 1854, Peto may have acquired his interest in art from his father, Thomas H. Peto, who was a dealer in picture frames. By the mid-1870s, Peto was listed as an artist in the city's directories, and in 1877 he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. While there he studied briefly with Thomas Eakins. His attraction to still-life painting is not surprising considering the strong tradition of the genre in Philadelphia and the fact that he would have been familiar with examples by the Peales, Severin Roesen, and John F. Francis. Perhaps the greatest influence on his art was his friendship with William Michael Harnett, whom Peto met in Philadelphia before 1880, the year Harnett left for Europe. Peto maintained various studios in Philadelphia over the next decade, and exhibited his work on occasion at the Academy. In 1887, while in Cincinnati working on a commission, Peto met Christine Pearl Smith, whom he married in June of that year. The couple settled in Philadelphia, but began to spend time in the resort community of Island Heights, New Jersey, where Peto, a talented cornetist, played for the Methodist camp meetings. In 1889, Peto built a house and moved permanently to Island Heights, where he and Christine raised their only daughter, Helen. He continued to paint, and also took up photography. He ceased to exhibit his work in Philadelphia, preferring to show it from time to time at the local drugstore. Peto died in Island Heights in 1907.
tags: oil painting, still life, 19th century
-
Condition: Canvas: Not Applicable
Condition: Very Good
Restoration: Very Minor
Frame: Quality Reproduction
Comments:
Remnant varnish apparent under UV light
Framed dimensions - 12 1/4 x 14 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral
for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at [email protected] or 203-453-8866.
Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk
of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the
items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the
responsibility of the buyer.
April 29, 2021 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US
Shannon's
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
Bid Increments
From: | To: | Increments: |
---|---|---|
$0 | $499 | $25 |
$500 | $999 | $50 |
$1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
$2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
$5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
$10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
$20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
$50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
$100,000 + | $10,000 |