Lot 81: Edward Lange (American, 1846-1912)

John C. Tottan, Cold Spring, Long Island, 1881
Signed lower right: "Edw. Lange/ Artist./ Elwood Suffolk Co NY/ 1881"
Watercolor and gouache on paper
17 x 24 inches

Quality examples of Lange's work rarely come to the market. When this painting came up at South Bay auctions in 1998, it set a record for William Edward Lange at $26,400.

The Livery Store and barn depicted were the property of John C. Tottan, a merchant who lived across the street behind the main stores. Livery Stores were places where the mail coach would stop. The figures depicted in the foreground are probably gathered in anticipation of the arrival bell. Provenance: South Bay Auctions, East Moriches, 1998

Literature: Illustrated and discussed, "Fall Sales at South Bay," Antiques and the Arts Weekly, January 2, 1998, p. 77.

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000