$8,295
Benjamin Rutherford Fitz (American, 1855-1891) A Dull Day Signed and dated "B. R. Fitz 1886" l.r., identified on a presentation plaque and on two labels affixed to the stretcher, inscribed "...Fitz..." on the stretcher. Oil on canvas, 51 1/4 x 33 1/2 in. (130.0 x 85.0 cm), in a period frame. Condition: Scattered abrasions, old retouch, craquelure, varnish inconsistencies, stretcher bar marks, surface grime. Exhibitions: Fifty-eighth Annual Exhibition of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 1888. (Exhibition label affixed to the stretcher.) Literature: Falk, Peter, The Annual Exhibition Record of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts , Vol. II (Madison, CT: Sound View Press, 1989), p. 198. Three labels on the stretcher: one printed label from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 58th Annual Exhibition, hand inscribed with the painting's title, artist's name, and address; one partial hand written label giving the title, artist's name, and address; and one label with a red background, printed "G & M, 1888/No...." and inscribed with the number "55." The stretcher itself is inscribed with the artist's name and address, partially obscured by one of the labels. Craquelure primarily to the l.r. and l.l. quadrants. Two minor losses to the u.l. quadrant, each less than 1/14 x 1/4 in. One small tear to u.l. quadrant approx. 3/8 in. length. Varnish inconsistencies.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-09-09
