Important Fall Fine Art Auction Highlights

  • Auction
  • Fine Art

Clars is thrilled to present our Important Fall Fine Art Auction on Thursday, September 19th, at 1 PM PDT. This exciting event will feature a diverse selection of remarkable pieces from William Merritt Chase, Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and much more.

One of the most exciting pieces up for auction is an exceptional oil on panel painting by renowned American Impressionist, William Merritt Chase (American, 1849–1916). Titled A Mother’s Joy and created in 1889, this piece measures 17″ x 17″ (43.2 x 43.2 cm) and is signed by the artist. It carries an estimated value of $600,000–$900,000 USD. The painting’s provenance includes its acquisition by New Jersey Governor Franklin Murphy from Fifth Avenue Art Galleries in 1891, and it has been exhibited in notable venues such as the Society of American Artists and the Chicago Interstate Industrial Exposition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from D. Frederick Baker and Ronald G. Pisano, Inc., this painting is a significant highlight of the auction.


William Merritt Chase (American, 1849–1916), A Mother’s Joy, 1889, oil on panel, signed “Wm. M. Chase” lower left, 17″ x 17″ (43.2 x 43.2 cm).
William Merritt Chase (American, 1849–1916), A Mother’s Joy, 1889, oil on panel, signed lower left, 17″ x 17″ (43.2 x 43.2 cm).
Estimate: $600,000–$900,000

Another standout in the auction is a ceramic pitcher by the legendary artist, Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973). Best known for his revolutionary Cubist paintings, Picasso also made significant contributions to ceramic art. This particular pitcher, titled Piquet Gothique aux Oiseaux with estimate of $8,000–$12,000, showcases Picasso’s distinctive style with its simplified painting technique and depiction of three black birds. The pitcher, crafted in 1953, is a testament to Picasso’s prolific work in ceramics, a medium he explored extensively after his initial visit to the Madoura pottery studio in Vallauris, France.


Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Piquet Gothique aux Oiseaux, 1953, terre de faience pitcher painted in colors with partial glaze, 11″h.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Piquet Gothique aux Oiseaux, 1953, terre de faience pitcher painted in colors with partial glaze, 11″h.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000

The Important Fall Fine Art Auction will also feature a striking photograph by photographer, Helmut Newton (Australian/German, 1920–2004). Known for his dramatic black-and-white compositions and collaborations with major fashion designers, Newton’s work has been influential in the world of fashion photography. The gelatin silver print offered in this sale, titled Vogue, France, Yves St. Laurent, Paris, captures Yves Saint Laurent’s collection inspired by film noir aesthetics, and exemplifies Newton’s iconic style of high drama and eroticism. This photograph will be offered at $10,000–$15,000.


Helmut Newton (Australian/German, 1920–2004), Vogue, France, Yves St. Laurent, Paris, 1981, gelatin silver print, 14.5″ x 14″.
Helmut Newton (Australian/German, 1920–2004), Vogue, France, Yves St. Laurent, Paris, 1981, gelatin silver print, 14.5″ x 14″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000

Several collectable and notable prints will also be offered in the September auction. Among them are two woodblock prints by artist, Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), who is celebrated for his revival of the woodblock technique in the U.S. The two available prints, Spring Freshet valued at $5,000–$7,000 and The Sycamore at $6,000–$9,000, both highlight Baumann’s mastery in depicting southwestern U.S. landscapes.


Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), The Sycamore, woodcut in colors, 10″ x 9.5″.
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), The Sycamore, woodcut in colors, 10″ x 9.5″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), Spring Freshet, woodcut in colors, 11″ x 10″.
Gustave Baumann (American/German, 1881–1971), Spring Freshet, woodcut in colors, 11″ x 10″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

An amazing print by the ever-popular Pop Art icon, Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), will also be up for auction. The screenprint, A Pumpkin BB-C, which reflects her famous pumpkin in vibrant blue, is priced to sell at $20,000–$30,000. This is a must have for any Kusama fan and a perfect piece just in time for fall.


Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), A Pumpkin BB-C, 2004, screenprint in colors, 9.5″ x 11.25″.
Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, b. 1929), A Pumpkin BB-C, 2004, screenprint in colors, 9.5″ x 11.25″.
Estimate: $20,000–$30,000

The sale will continue with even more memorable prints including a 1978/79 Untitled etching by Minimalist, Donald Judd (American, 1928–1994), priced at $5,000–$7,000 and two spectacular prints by pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997). Lichtenstein’s famous Crak offset lithograph from 1964 will be on the block at $10,000– $15,000 along with his small edition pencil signed print created for Guild Hall East Hampton at $5,000–$7,000.


Donald Judd (American, 1928–1994), <em>Untitled</em>, 1978–79, etching and aquatint, 32.25″ x 24.5″.
Donald Judd (American, 1928–1994), Untitled, 1978–79, etching and aquatint, 32.25″ x 24.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Crak!, 1964, offset lithograph in colors, 18.5″ x 27″.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Crak!, 1964, offset lithograph in colors, 18.5″ x 27″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), <em>Guild Hall East Hampton</em>, 1980, screenprint in colors, 27.75″ x 33.5″.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Guild Hall East Hampton, 1980, screenprint in colors, 27.75″ x 33.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

From the Pacific Rim and estimated at $15,000–$20,000, Clars will be offering an elegant, yet colorful painting from 1963 by artist, Cheong Soo Pieng (Singaporean, 1917–1983). Heading north, a magnificent, oil on canvas by Contemporary artist, Liao Zhenwu (Chinese, b. 1964), titled The Story of Meditation, will be offered for $5,000–$7,000. Always a favorite among collectors is South Asian artist, Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887–1972). Known for capturing the essence of simplicity in the life of the Indian people, a classic gouache on paper, Untitled (Seated Figure), is another of the many highlights at Clars Auctions on September 19th and will be available for $7,000–$10,000.


Cheong Soo Pieng (Singaporean, 1917–1983), Untitled, 1963, oil on canvas, 19.75″ x 27.75″.
Cheong Soo Pieng (Singaporean, 1917–1983), Untitled, 1963, oil on canvas, 19.75″ x 27.75″.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887–1972), Untitled (Seated Figure), 1967, gouache on paper, 21″ x 13″.
Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887–1972), Untitled (Seated Figure), 1967, gouache on paper, 21″ x 13″.
Estimate: $7,000–$10,000

The Important Fall Fine Art Auction will have many other notable artists represented. One such artist is S.C. Yuan (Chinese/American, 1911–1974), who is known as one of the foremost painters of the Monterey Peninsula. The two untitled paintings in this month’s sale depict a conversation between two figures, estimated at $3,000–$5,000, and a barn, estimated at $6,000–$9,000. Both showcase the restrained palette preferred by the artist.


S.C. Yuan (American, 1911–1974), Untitled (Conversation), oil on board, 9.5″ x 11″.
S.C. Yuan (American, 1911–1974), Untitled (Conversation), oil on board, 9.5″ x 11″.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
S.C. Yuan (American, 1911–1974), <em>Untitled (Barn)</em>, oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″.
S.C. Yuan (American, 1911–1974), Untitled (Barn), oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000

Another more contemporary California work on paper by Funk Art pioneer, Roy De Forest (American, 1930–2007), with an auction estimate of $6,000–$9,000, will be offered. De Forest was a major figure in Bay Area modern art during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, and he was also a key member of the faculty at U.C. Davis. De Forest taught alongside fellow California icons, including Wayne Thiebaud, William T. Wiley, and Robert Arneson. Alongside this piece we will also be offering a striking work by another California artist, Sam Francis, estimated at $8,000–$12,000.


Roy De Forest (American, 1930–2007), Untitled, 2003, mixed media on paper, 40.25″ x 53.75″.
Roy De Forest (American, 1930–2007), Untitled, 2003, mixed media on paper, 40.25″ x 53.75″.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Sam Francis (American, 1923–1994), Untitled, 1963, gouache on paper, 13.75″ x 12.5″.
Sam Francis (American, 1923–1994), Untitled, 1963, gouache on paper, 13.75″ x 12.5″.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000

Clars is also pleased to offer several contemporary works of sculpture which round out our diverse collection this month. Included is a work by Vivian Wang (Chinese, b. 1945) featuring a glass figure of a seated child with a red and black painted hat and outfit with an auction estimate of $3,000–$5,000. Wang began her career as a fashion designer before transitioning to fine art. She is known for glass figural sculptures that pay homage to her Chinese heritage. Another striking piece in this group is a mixed media sculpture by American artist Peter Anton (American, b. 1963) depicting an ice cream bar, valued at $4,000–$6,000. Anton is known for his hyperrealist sculptures of dessert foods. Also included in the sculpture section is an anemone-like glass cube by Wilfried Grootens (German, b. 1954) with an estimate of $3,000–$5,000 as well as a glass mime figure by Martin Janecky (Czech, b. 1980) with an estimate of $4,000–$6,000.


Bidding for Clars’ September auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auctions is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auctions is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auctions has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country, including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC).

In the last 5 years, Clars Auctions has sold well over $500,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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October Jewelry, Furniture, Art & Asian Auction Highlights

This October, Clars is excited to present our Jewelry, Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on the 18th and The Warehouse Auction on the 19th.

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Fine Art Consignments Now Invited!

If you have ever thought about selling at auction, NOW is the time. Incredible prices are being achieved on fine artwork.

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Exquisite Diamonds & Watches Auction Highlights

Clars is thrilled to host our Exquisite Diamonds & Watches Auction on Thursday, September 19th, starting at 9:30 AM PDT.

  • Auction
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Furniture, Decorative Arts & Asian Art Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Decorative Arts & Asian Art Auction on September 20th and The Warehouse Auction on September 21st.

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Artist Spotlight: William Merritt Chase

This September at Clars we are thrilled to offer a rare and captivating work by William Merritt Chase — whose interiors are widely celebrated as some of the finest achievements of American Impressionism.

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August Auction Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Jewelry, Furniture, Art & Fine Asian Auction on August 16th and The Warehouse Auction on August 17th.

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Important Summer Fine Art Sale Highlights

  • Auction
  • Fine Art

Clars is excited to present our Important Summer Fine Art Sale on June 20th, commencing at 10 AM PDT. The sale is bursting with exceptional artwork from iconic creators such as Salvador Dalí, Roy Lichtenstein and Aaron Douglas.

One of the most exciting pieces in this month’s Important Summer Fine Art Sale is a never-before-sold oil on canvas painting by world-renowned Spanish Surrealist, Salvador Dalí. Over the course of the early to mid-twentieth century, Dalí established himself as perhaps the most celebrated of the Surrealist painters, famous for both his instantly recognizable visual style and for his eccentric personality and antics. The painting in this month’s sale, titled Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene, is an oil on canvas that was commissioned by the sitter’s husband in New York City in 1942 — the year of the artist’s first retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art.


Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989), Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene, 1942, oil on canvas, signed and dated right center, 24″ x 20″ (61 x 50.8 cm). Accompanied by preliminary study sketches of Mrs. Greene by Dalí from 1942 (charcoal/ink on paper). Provenance: Private collection (by descent); Mrs. Luther Greene (Ellen Chamberlain), New York. Catalog reference: Fundació Gala - Salvador Dalí: Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Salvador Dalí (cat. no. P 565). © Fundació Gala - Salvador Dalí
Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989), Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene, 1942, oil on canvas, signed and dated right center, 24″ x 20″ (61 cm x 50.8 cm). Accompanied by preliminary study sketches of Mrs. Greene by Dalí from 1942 (charcoal/ink on paper). Provenance: Private collection (by descent); Mrs. Luther Greene (Ellen Chamberlain), New York. Catalog reference: Fundació Gala – Salvador Dalí: Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Salvador Dalí (cat. no. P 565). © Fundació Gala – Salvador Dalí
Estimate: $700,000–$1,000,000

The portrait depicts the patron seated in the foreground, wrapped in a red robe. Behind her is a classic, Dalíesque desert landscape with two figures standing in the distance. An amorphous hill on the far right is dotted with buildings — resembling a forgotten ghost town — and a small boat sits beached by the shore on the far left. This exemplary piece is accompanied by the preliminary sketches done by the artist in preparation for the painting.


Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Reverie, from 11 Pop Artists, Volume II, 1965, screenprint in colors, 27″ x 23″.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Reverie, from 11 Pop Artists, Volume II, 1965, screenprint in colors, 27″ x 23″.
Estimate: $70,000–$100,000

Another noteworthy piece in the sale is a serigraph by American Pop art pioneer, Roy Lichtenstein. Lichtenstein was one of the most prominent figures to come out of the Pop Art movement and is most known for his comic strip-inspired paintings, prints, and sculptures. The print featured in the June sale is titled Reverie and dates to 1965. Pictured is a young woman with blonde hair and a melancholy expression, holding a microphone while a speech bubble over her head reads the lyrics, “The melody haunts my reverie.” This lyric — taken from the song Stardust by Tin Pan Alley musicians Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish — was written in 1927 and popularized during the 1930s big band era. The retro feel of the imagery is characteristic of Lichtenstein’s work, as is the comic-style dot work, bold color, and thick, black lines. Reverie was created for a portfolio, titled 11 Pop Artists published by Original Editions, that included 2 other prints by the artist as well as prints by Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselman, and other major names in the Pop Art movement.


Aaron Douglas (American, 1899–1979), Untitled, circa 1955, oil on canvas, signed lower left, 22″ x 44″.
Aaron Douglas (American, 1899–1979), Untitled, circa 1955, oil on canvas, signed lower left, 22″ x 44″.
Estimate: $10,000–$20,000

A third striking highlight in our sale is an oil on canvas painting by key Harlem Renaissance figure, Aaron Douglas. Douglas is widely known for the murals he was commissioned to paint in several high-profile locations. These locations included several Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Harlem YMCA, and one of his most acclaimed works, Aspects of Negro Life, at the New York Public Library in Harlem. Douglas worked with writers Alain Locke and W.E.B. Du Bois, and had illustrations included in publications like Vanity Fair, the NAACP journal The Crisis, and Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life among others. Douglas developed a distinctive, graphic style that combined the aesthetic exploration of modernism with more traditional African subject matter. He often used bold color and evocative light sources with leafy foliage and human figures in silhouette. These figures are at times depicted in an African village or tribal setting, dancing, holding spears, or traversing a jungle-like landscape.

In other instances, figures are shown in American cityscapes, holding industrial tools with skyscrapers looming in the distance, or playing brass instruments in bands. The work in our June sale shows three silhouetted human figures holding spears and chasing five bison-like animals through an abstracted environment that uses the interplay between color and light to mimic an earthly landscape while remaining nonobjective. Douglas’s approach marries the celebratory aspects of Harlem Renaissance figuration with an Orphism-inspired understanding of color theory that creates a composition in which movement and light become as intrinsic to the material as paint and canvas.


Karen LaMonte (American, b. 1967), Nocturne, 2015, white bronze, signed, dated and stamped on base, edition 1/5, 58.5″ x 18″ x 11″.
Karen LaMonte (American, b. 1967), Nocturne, 2015, white bronze, signed, dated and stamped on base, edition 1/5, 58.5″ x 18″ x 11″.
Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Barry Frydlender (Israeli, b. 1954), Take a Picture of Me, 2005, chromogenic print, 75″ x 49.5″.
Barry Frydlender (Israeli, b. 1954), Take a Picture of Me, 2005, chromogenic print, 75″ x 49.5″.
Estimate: $15,000–$25,000

In addition to the aforementioned works, we are also pleased to offer abstract sculptures by Claire Falkenstein, a life-size bronze gown by Karen LaMonte, a suite of six bullfighting paintings by LeRoy Neiman, an abstract expressionist oil by Tancredi Parmeggiani, and much more in our Important Summer Fine Art Sale on June 20th.


Fern Isabel Kuns Coppedge (American, 1883–1951), August Reflections, oil on canvas, signed, gallery title label (Newman Galleries, Philadelphia) affixed verso, 20″ x 24″.
Fern Isabel Kuns Coppedge (American, 1883–1951), August Reflections, oil on canvas, signed, gallery title label (Newman Galleries, Philadelphia) affixed verso, 20″ x 24″.
Estimate: $30,000–$50,000
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), <em>Homme Barbu Couronne de Feuillage</em>, 1962, linocut, 13.5″ x 10.5″.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Homme Barbu Couronne de Feuillage, 1962, linocut, 13.5″ x 10.5″.
Estimate: $25,000–$35,000
(lot of 6) LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921–2012), <em>The Red Corrida</em>, oils on panels, largest: 7.75″ x 11.75″.
(lot of 6) LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921–2012), The Red Corrida, oils on panels, largest: 7.75″ x 11.75″.
Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
(lot of 4) Claire Falkenstein (American, 1908–1998), Untitleds, set of four mixed media (glass and metal) sculptures, overall each: 3″h x 3″w x 3″d (red), 1.5″h x 2.75″w x 2.75″d (blue), 1.25″h x 3″w x 2″d (orange/red), 2″h x 4″d x 2.75″d (clear/green). Provenance: Estate of Richard D. Lowell (Fresno, California).
(lot of 4) Claire Falkenstein (American, 1908–1998), Untitleds, set of four mixed media (glass and metal) sculptures, overall each: 3″h x 3″w x 3″d (red), 1.5″h x 2.75″w x 2.75″d (blue), 1.25″h x 3″w x 2″d (orange/red), 2″h x 4″d x 2.75″d (clear/green). Provenance: Estate of Richard D. Lowell (Fresno, California).
Estimate: $20,000–$25,000
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), <em>Plat à la Tête de Faune</em>, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Plat à la Tête de Faune, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
Tancredi Parmeggiani (Italian, 1927–1964), Untitled, oil on board, 16″ x 26″. Provenance: Private Collection, Auburn, CA, thence by descent to the present owner.
Tancredi Parmeggiani (Italian, 1927–1964), Untitled, oil on board, 16″ x 26″. Provenance: Private Collection, Auburn, CA, thence by descent to the present owner.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
John Marin (American, 1870–1953), <em>Flatiron Building, NYC</em>, 1911, watercolor, 12″ x 15.75″.
John Marin (American, 1870–1953), Flatiron Building, NYC, 1911, watercolor, 12″ x 15.75″.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Modern Head #5, 1970, embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay, 20.25″ x 11.25″.
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923–1997), Modern Head #5, 1970, embossed graphite with Strathmore die-cut paper overlay, 20.25″ x 11.25″.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Jacqueline Gilmore (American, 21st century), <em>Ashes to Ashes</em>, 2016, oil on canvas, 90″ x 180″.
Jacqueline Gilmore (American, 21st century), Ashes to Ashes, 2016, oil on canvas, 90″ x 180″.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Oscar Deveza Zalameda (Philippines, 1930–2010), Fish Market, oil on canvas, 30″ x 36″.
Oscar Deveza Zalameda (Philippines, 1930–2010), Fish Market, oil on canvas, 30″ x 36″.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Bidding for Clars’ June auctions is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Clars Auction Gallery is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.

Clars Auction Gallery is based in Oakland (CA) and is the largest full-service auction gallery in the Western United States. Clars Auction Gallery has been the chosen auction gallery of a number of institutions and distinguished private collectors across the country, including the Richard Mellon Scaife Estate, the Thomas J. Perkins Estate and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC).

In the last 5 years, Clars Auction Gallery has sold well over $150,000,000 of Fine Art, Furnishings, Jewelry, Vehicles and Collectibles and has set multiple new world auction records. Follow Clars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Read More

October Jewelry, Furniture, Art & Asian Auction Highlights

This October, Clars is excited to present our Jewelry, Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on the 18th and The Warehouse Auction on the 19th.

  • Auction

Fine Art Consignments Now Invited!

If you have ever thought about selling at auction, NOW is the time. Incredible prices are being achieved on fine artwork.

  • Consignments
  • Fine Art

Important Fall Fine Art Auction Highlights

Clars is thrilled to present our Important Fall Fine Art Auction featuring a diverse selection of remarkable pieces on September 19th.

  • Auction
  • Fine Art

Exquisite Diamonds & Watches Auction Highlights

Clars is thrilled to host our Exquisite Diamonds & Watches Auction on Thursday, September 19th, starting at 9:30 AM PDT.

  • Auction
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Furniture, Decorative Arts & Asian Art Highlights

Clars is excited to present our Furniture, Decorative Arts & Asian Art Auction on September 20th and The Warehouse Auction on September 21st.

  • Auction

Artist Spotlight: William Merritt Chase

This September at Clars we are thrilled to offer a rare and captivating work by William Merritt Chase — whose interiors are widely celebrated as some of the finest achievements of American Impressionism.

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Fine Art