John Bauer Lapland scene
It appears to be one of Mr. Bauer's oil paintings (he is more known for watercolor) of a summer scene in Lapland. The trees are silver birch and the garments, including hats, appear to be ceremonial garments of the Sami people who were indigenous to the Lapland area. Even the impressionistic depiction of the shoes appear to be from this area. Mr. Bauer, who did impressionism, spent a summer in Lapland in approximately 1904. The initials on the painting are stylistically similar to those depicted on other pieces of his. Especially, the J with its rather flat tail. The work is approximately 24" by 15" and is oil on canvas. The detail and texture are phenomenal. It was given to me as a gift in undergraduate school approximately 20 years ago and was obtained from an antique store near Atlanta, GA. I have kept and enjoyed it ever since. A few friends and I were recently admiring it and had no idea who it could. So I decided to do some research. I am an attorney in Florida so research is a large part of my profession. Based upon the subject matter, initials, age (dark yellowing appears to have hidden colors), and style, Mr. Bauer was the only conclusion I could come to. I had not heard of him before this research. If it is his, it is definitely a unique and beautiful piece of his work.
It was given to me as a gift approximately 20 years ago by a friend who obtained it from an antique store near Atlanta, GA.
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Dear Kevin,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a painting made in oil or acrylic paint on canvas with the measurements of 24 x 15 inches. The painting depicts a landscape with two women in front of bushes and trees. This piece reminds of a scene from Africa or the Caribbean region. Such paintings come often from Haiti but this piece could be somewhere else in the second half of the 20th century. It is monogrammed with the letters J. B. and sadly there is no fitting artist listed in reference books and auction databases.
Works by this artist were recently offered and sold on the international auction market.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 40 to 80 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
Good evening. What additional information do you need? Thank you and I appreciate your time.
I have included a representative picture of a Bauer piece with the JB initials. They look very similar, especially the J. Additionally, the headwear appears to be an impressionist depiction of Sami headwear. Their shoes as well.
Is there a way to determine whether it is a piece of his?
Dear Kevin,
thank you for your email and your understanding. Sadly this is not a work of John BAUER (1882-1918) because of the stylistic differences. John Bauer paints much more detailed, anatomically, and perspective correct. Additionally, I interpret this as a tropical or African scene especially with the woman carrying vessels on their heads.
With kind regards,
Georg
I don’t see the appraisal?