International Art Auction

June 12, 2012

LOT 20

Lot 20

Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938)

Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938)
Lot 20 Details
Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938), American

SPRING, 1922

Oil on canvas; titled to the stretcher, inscribed: “Alten” in blue crayon to the frame, with a small white label with red border inscribed in ink “3”, the label partially covering annotations to the frame verso “90... 20 x 24” in pencil; inscribed “15” in black crayon to the top of the frame and inscribed “Metal 31 48052” in pencil to the frame verso. Contained in the original Newcomb-Macklin, Chicago frame from 1922.

This lot will be included in James A. Straub’s “Mathias J. Alten Catalogue Raisonne”, currently in preparation.
20" x 24" — 50.8 x 61 cm.

Estimate $12,000-$18,000

Realised: $11,400
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938)
  • Mathias Joseph Alten (1871-1938)
Provenance:

Acquired directly from the artist by Walter Clark, Grand Rapids, Michigan (as was the previous lot);
By descent to his wife, Thelma Clark, Port Credit, Ontario until her death in 2000;
Gifted to her nephew

Note:

James A. Straub comments on this painting: “The landscape, although unsigned, is quite typical of others Alten completed in Michigan.” Straub concludes that based upon the frame’s annotations and construction, that it is retained in the original Newcomb-Macklin of Chicago frame, ordered in 1922, likely ordered at the same time as the frame for “A Boy and His Horse at Valencia” (lot 19).

This oil painting hung in the Clark residence in Santa Barbara, California in the living room alongside the preceding lot, “A Boy and His Horse at Valencia”.

We would thank James A. Straub for his contribution to this catalogue. (Please see lot 19 for details of Straub’s research project)

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 20
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.