Original Solid-Wood Carving by Vernon Clinton Wiltse (Signed, 1991)
Presented for appraisal is a hand-carved solid-wood carving by Vernon Clinton Wiltse (1909–1997), an award-winning American woodcarver celebrated for his craftsmanship and Western-themed artwork. Wiltse began carving in the late 1960s, later co-founding the Ramona Country Carvers Club, and his work has been exhibited throughout Michigan, Washington, and California. Among his most notable pieces was a four-foot by six-foot bas-relief recreating a Wells Fargo stagecoach being chased by outlaws, a detailed tribute to the American West that earned wide recognition. This particular carving is signed and dated with the year, created entirely by hand using traditional chisel techniques, and has remained in the family for three generations. It is in good, well-preserved condition. As Wiltse’s works are rarely offered for sale, this piece represents a meaningful and collectible example of his artistry.
Length: 60 inchesHeight: 29.5 inches
Inherited
Yes
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
I found almost no academic or art-historical literature on Vernon Clinton Wiltse (1909–1997) . He doesn’t seem to appear in major art history databases, which suggests he may not have been widely studied or left behind too small a sampling of work. There’s no clear record (from my search) that major museums or public institutions prominently hold or exhibit his work. Beyond birth and death dates, there’s very little on his early life, training, influences, or how he learned his craft and photographic documentation of his works is limited (at least online), making it hard to assess the full range or evolution of his style.
What I *can* glean doesn't come from scholarly sources but he appears to have been born on October 9, 1909, and died July 29, 1997, in Moorpark, Ventura County, California. According to Find-a-Grave, he was described as a “prize-winning, wood-carving artist," working in wood, by hand, with chisels. Thematically, he was inspired by the American West and seems to have practiced traditional carving techniques rather than industrial or mass-production styles.
This bas-relief carved panel by Vernon Clinton Wiltse is in another league from the other painted relief carving of a Native chief you've also submitted for appraisal ($300-$500). Not only is it signed and dated, but appears to be Wiltse's version of Rosa Bonheur's famous "Horse Fair" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Horse_Fair#/media/File:Rosa_Bonheur,_The_Horse_Fair,_1852%E2%80%9355.jpg).
I am certain this would sell at auction for between $2,000 and $3,000, particularly if offered in a sale that specialized in either sporting art or Western American art.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Vernon Clinton Wiltse (1909–1997)
Untitled (Horse Fair), dated 1991
relief-carved wood
signed and dated lower left
29 1/2 by 60 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Descended in the family of the artist
$ 2,000-3,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
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