FADED TREASURE
Painting worth pretty penny
Q This is a somewhat faded painting of Craile Harbour, Scotland. It is oil on canvas 91 by 152 cm (60 x 36 inches) and signed by artist John Blair. This painting had sentimental value to my late mother, who was sent away to Craile Harbour (Crail) during the bombing of Glasgow in WWII. The back of the wood frame has a stamp / sticker saying Dodd & Son, 1842. I’m wondering if the painting has any value, before investing in a restoration. Thank you for your consideration. Keith, Ottawa
A You have a magnificent painting by Edinburgh artist John Blair (1850-1934). The artist is known for working largely in watercolour. His oil paintings are far rarer and when outstanding examples appear, such as your example they draw great interest. Much of his work was produced from the 1880s up to the 1920s and he exhibited with the Royal Scottish Academy. Known for capturing east coast towns and villages, yours illustrates a grand view with an extraordinary amount of detail and history.
The weather, along with the string of detailed vernacular buildings leading to a distant but crisp depiction of a wharf attests to great talent.
In spite of the evident need for restoration this painting is easily worth $8,000 as it is well-within grasp of a return to its original glory. This very large historic beauty is easily worth $12,000 restored. Please do!
Q Many years ago a good friend of mine gave me this object that he had brought back from his birthplace, the city of Ipoh located in the Malaysian state of Perak. It served as a planter’s stool in his parents’ living room. It is 32 cm in diameter and 31 cm high (12.5 x 12 inches). The top is either of marble or granite. As for the wood, I have no clue. Any information would be most appreciated. Jacques, Ottawa
A You have a very interesting example of a marble-inset planter or vase stand. These stands were made in different heights intended for larger temple-style vases. The wood is mahogany and the carving is fashioned for Western tastes in a mid-19th century rococo revival flavour with scrolls, plants and animals. The curved legs are fronted with bird shapes topped off with faces of shishi or Chinese guardian lions. They were made in various regions of Asia and approximately date between 1890 and 1910. The original patina is very nice. It stands tall for either use at $250.
Q This picture came into our family in the 1950s in Montreal, Quebec. It became mine when my parents passed on. The picture measures 53 by 67 cm (21 x 26.5 inches). When I had it reframed I was told it was an original. I can’t make out the signature at the bottom of the picture. I’m wondering if you would have any knowledge of this artist or the picture. Thanks in advance. Joan, Guelph
A Dutch artist Herman Johannes van der Weele (18521930), of the Netherlands painted your original artwork. His career began with the Art Academy in The Hague — the city that became home for the rest of his life. You have an example of the main focus of this artist’s work — genre scenes of agricultural life most often including flocks of sheep. The quality of his work can vary dramatically. Many of his highpriced paintings have very crisp details throughout. Others, like your example illustrate softer details in many areas such as the trees and far end of the sheep flock. I like this scene with the shepherd at the well and a black lamb drinking at the trough. This pleasant window on early life is worth $950.