Watercolor painting attributed to Mauritz DeHaas
The painting is approx. 11 x 19 inches; when I received it, it was framed in acidic matting and glued to an acidic mounting board. I removed the matting and was able to remove the backing quite easilty, since the glue was so old. There is a tiny puncture in the center of the picture (looks like someone tried to hang it on a nail and punctured the picture).
I purchased the painting from a "bargain basement" warehouse. There were two pieces of old cardboard attached to the kraft backing of the frame (obviously cut from even older frame jobs). One is a copy of the other. It states "DeHass, M.F.H (Modern Dutch Painter) born in Rotterdam 1832. DeHaas made most of his early sketches on the English and Dutch coasts,and in 1859, he settled in New York.He is scarcely equaled in his treatment of moonlight scenes at sea."
Other
Maybe
Dear Nancy,
Many thanks for submitting photographs and information on your watercolor. Before proceeding with the appraisal, can you tell me if the painting is signed? In looking at the photographs, I don't see any evidence of a signature but wanted to confirm.
Kind regards,
Grace
Interestingly, the quotes from the old backing are written as if he was a contemporary at the time, but he died in 1898 I believe.
Many thanks Nancy.
The appraised work is a watercolor maritime seascape possibly executed by Dutch American artist Mauritz Frederik Hendrik de Haas (1832-1895). De Haas was originally born in Rotterdam and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and the Hague before moving to London to work as a professional watercolorist. In 1859, he immigrated to New York and established a studio. He became well known for painting scenes long the Northeast Coast. Among the latter were views of Long Island: Orient, Montauk, Peconic, Westhampton, Bridgehampton, and Southampton, as well as points along the Long Island Sound. Long Island held particular interest for Long Island it resembled his native Holland in its terrain and ever-changing effects of light and atmosphere.
The estimate provided is based on comparable watercolors recently sold at auction. In many cases, pricing for similar examples available on the primary (retail) market vary and are often higher than secondary (auction) market examples.
Note,the estimate is based on the assumption the watercolor is an authentic work by de Haas. Should it be deemed a copy, the estimate would be around $150-$450.
Thank you Grace for the information. I would love to get it authenticated some day. It really is a lovely old painting.
Dear Nancy,
Happy to help! Regarding authentication, perhaps you might be in contact with Questroyal Fine Art in New York, NY. They appear to have works by the artist either currently in inventory or have offered them in the past. Perhaps they can assist in examining your painting or put you in touch with someone who can offer guidance. It's worth a try.
All Best,
Grace
Unfortunately it is not signed that I can see. I was hoping for some writing on the back after I removed the old mount board, but there was nothing. I have seen other boat sketches and watercolors by DeHaas that were similar in design. I'm sorry too that my pictures are not very good quality.