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Lot 64: JOHN FREDERICK PETO, American (1854-1907), Still Life with Pipe, Candlestick and Book, c. 1890, oil on board, inscribed on the rever...

Est: $15,000 USD - $25,000 USDSold:
3 b's Shannon'sMilford, CT, USDecember 04, 2021

Item Overview

Description

JOHN FREDERICK PETO
American (1854-1907)
Still Life with Pipe, Candlestick and Book, c. 1890
oil on board, inscribed on the reverse "Painted by my father John Frederick Peto, Helen Peto Smiley"
7 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches

Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, New York, June 6, 1997, lot 200; Christie's, New York, New York, November 29, 2000, lot 53; Goldman Collection; Private Collection, New York.

Other Notes:
A shy, reclusive man who spent most of his career removed from any urban art center, John Frederick Peto has emerged as one of the most romantic and enigmatic figures in late nineteenth-century American art. Because he made no statements about his art, no personal letters have survived, and he rarely exhibited his work, he was virtually unknown until the late 1940s when art historian Alfred Frankenstein began his comprehensive study of American trompe l'oeil painters that culminated in the 1953 publication of his After the Hunt: William Michael Harnett and Other American Still Life Painters, 1870-1900. In this important work, Frankenstein recognized Peto as a distinct artistic personality whose work was frequently forged with Harnett's signature. While the two artists were friends, and often painted similar still-life subjects (books, mugs, pipes, musical instruments), Peto's work is clearly distinguished from Harnett's by its looser brushwork, softly diffused light, and sense of melancholy created by his use of aged and tattered objects. Harnett's still-life objects may be old and well-used, but they are always elegant, sumptuous, and crisply delineated. Furthermore, Harnett's work does not have the brooding, introspective mood so evident in Peto's work.

Peto's life and work was thoroughly studied by John Wilmerding in his 1983 study, Important Information Inside: The Art of John F. Peto and the Idea of Still-Life Painting in Nineteenth-Century America. Born in Philadelphia in 1854, Peto may have acquired his interest in art from his father, Thomas H. Peto, who was a dealer in picture frames. By the mid-1870s, Peto was listed as an artist in the city's directories, and in 1877 he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. While there he studied briefly with Thomas Eakins. His attraction to still-life painting is not surprising considering the strong tradition of the genre in Philadelphia and the fact that he would have been familiar with examples by the Peales, Severin Roesen, and John F. Francis. Perhaps the greatest influence on his art was his friendship with William Michael Harnett, whom Peto met in Philadelphia before 1880, the year Harnett left for Europe. Peto maintained various studios in Philadelphia over the next decade, and exhibited his work on occasion at the Academy. In 1887, while in Cincinnati working on a commission, Peto met Christine Pearl Smith, whom he married in June of that year. The couple settled in Philadelphia, but began to spend time in the resort community of Island Heights, New Jersey, where Peto, a talented cornetist, played for the Methodist camp meetings. In 1889, Peto built a house and moved permanently to Island Heights, where he and Christine raised their only daughter, Helen. He continued to paint, and also took up photography. He ceased to exhibit his work in Philadelphia, preferring to show it from time to time at the local drugstore. Peto died in Island Heights in 1907.

tags: oil painting, still life, 19th century

Artist or Maker

Condition Report

Canvas: Not Applicable
Condition: Very Good
Restoration: Very Minor
Frame: Quality Reproduction
Comments:
Remnant varnish apparent under UV light

Framed dimensions - 12 1/4 x 14 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches


In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral
for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at jvonflatern3757@theupsstore.com or 203-453-8866.
Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk
of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the
items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the
responsibility of the buyer.

Auction Details

Fine Art Auction

by
3 b's Shannon's
December 04, 2021, 06:00 PM EST

49 Research Drive, Milford, CT, 06460, US

Terms

Live bidding may start higher or lower

Buyer's Premium

$0 - 200,000:30.0%
$200,001+:25.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$499$25
$500$999$50
$1,000$1,999$100
$2,000$4,999$250
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$19,999$1,000
$20,000$49,999$2,000
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000+$10,000

Terms and Conditions

Shannon's LLC Fine Art Auctioneers acts solely as an agent for various owners and consignors. It exercises care in describing all
items listed and uses judgment in attributing authorship, but offers
no guarantee regarding authenticity, condition, or description.
The items described in this catalog, which description may be
amended by notice or announcement at sale time, are offered for
sale by Shannon's LLC as agent for various owners or others
authorized to sell the items. Hereinafter, Shannon's LLC is referred to
as the Sellers agent. The owners or others authorized to sell the
items are hereinafter referred to as Sellers. The person or persons
acknowledged by the auctioneer to be the highest bidder on an
item shall be hereinafter referred to as the Buyer or Buyers.
Shannon's LLC reserves the right to change the terms of sale by oral
announcement. Any such change shall become part of the
Conditions of Sale. By placing of a bid, whether present at the sale
in person or by agent, by written or oral bid, by telephone or other
means, the Buyer agrees to be bound by these conditions of sale.
1. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be
the Buyer. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the
auctioneer has the absolute discretion to determine which
bidder is the successful Buyer or to re-offer the item in dispute
and resell it.
2. In the event of any dispute after the sale, Shannon's LLC's record
of the final sale price and of the successful buyer shall be
conclusive, Shannon's LLC reserves the right to withdraw any
item before or during the sale.
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in the catalog.
4. Items in the auction are sold subject to a reserve. Such reserve is
confidential, but in no case will the reserve exceed the low
estimate. The auctioneer may reject any bid or increment not
commensurate with the value of the lot.
5. Order bids are accepted. A deposit may be required. Absent
parties may place bids by mail, email, fax or in person prior to the
sale. Order bids must be placed 24 hours prior to the day of sale.
Shannon's LLC will execute such bids up to the maximum
amount specified. Phones must be reserved 24 hours prior to the
day of sale. Phone bidders are encouraged to leave a cover bid
in case of technical failure. Shannon's is not responsible for errors
or omissions in the execution of these bids.
6. A premium of 25% of the successful bid will be applied to the
individual hammer price of all lots sold, to be paid by the buyer
as part of the purchase price. Purchases made through
Invaluable will be subject to an additional 5% charge (30%
total buyer's premium) and purchases made online through
shannons.com will be subject to an additional 2% charge
(27% buyer's premium). Payment may be made by, check,
ACH or wire transfer. Visa, MasterCard and Amex may
be used up to the amount of $5,000 per auction. We currently
collect sales tax in CT, KS, MA, MI, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI and
VA and remit the appropriate sales tax. If we do not collect sales
tax in your state, it is still your responsibility to pay the proper tax
on your purchases.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE SALE, AT
WHICH POINT THEY WILL BE RELEASED FOR SHIPMENT OR DELIVERY.
7. Limited Warrantee: Although Shannon's LLC exercises due care
in describing the items listed and use good judgment in attributing authorship; it does not make any express or implied warrantee as to such authorship. Notwithstanding, Shannon's LLC may,
but shall have no obligation to, consider any reasonable request
for refund on the grounds of authenticity of authorship only and
only under the following conditions:
A. Notification must be made to Shannon's in writing within
7 days of receipt of the item.
B. The items must be returned within 28 days of the sale,
accompanied by written testimony from a recognized
authority that the lot in question is a forgery.
C. The limited warrantee does not extend to the lots identified
as attributions, school, circle, manner, or after.
D. The limited warrantee is applicable only to the original Buyer.
8. All property is sold "as is".
9. As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a
referral for packing and shipping. This is at the request, expense,
and risk of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for
the items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is
the responsibility of the buyer. All items must be removed within
30 days post sale or a fee of up to $20 per day will be charged
for storage. Items not collected within twelve months of a sale
will become the property of Shannon's.
10. Shannon's has retained the Art Loss Register to check all
uniquely identifiable items offered for sale in the catalog that
are estimated for $5,000 or more against the computerized
database of stolen or lost artwork maintained by the Art Loss
Register. A search certificate can be provided by the Art Loss
Register for an additional fee. The Art Loss Register does not
guarantee the provenance or title of any catalogued item
against which they search, and will not be liable for any direct
or consequential losses of any nature howsoever arising. The
statement is not to affect, detract from, or override Shannon's
Conditions of Sale, and in the event of any conflict, Shannon's
Conditions of Sale will take priority to the terms of this statement.
BIDDING AT THIS AUCTION, WHETHER IN PERSON, BY AGENT, ORDER
BID, TELEPHONE, INTERNET OR OTHER MEANS, CONSTITUTES YOUR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF THESE "CONDITIONS
OF SALE".
CONDITIONS OF SALE
After: A work of art or object made in the style of an artist or maker, but not by the artist. Sometimes refers multiples that may have used an
artist's mold or plate, but were reproduced by someone other than the artist, including posthumous works. Can also be used to describe a
direct reproduction after an original work of art.
Attributed (attr.): In our opinion, probably or possibly a work of art by the artist. The work is either unsigned, and/or lacks adequate provenance or authentication by experts in the field.
Bears Signature: The work is signed, but the work and signature may not be by the hand of the artist.
Manner of: Made in the likeness or style of an artist, with a slight possibility that it was made by the artist or by a follower or student of the
artist. Also see "After" and "Attributed".
Possibly: Being something that may or may not be true or actual without guarantee.
Probably: Supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof. We do not guarantee it to be true.
School: Usually relates to a particular artistic or aesthetic movement. It can also relate to an actual school or to followers of a particular artist
or maker. Also see: "Manner of", "Style", "Attributed to" and "After".
Style: After the time period in which the style originated, or a more recent reproduction (ie: Style of Pablo Picasso or Cubist Style), used to
refer to the style of a particular artist or artistic movement, generally made long after that time period.

Contract

Your bid is a binding and legal contract. BIDDING AT THIS AUCTION, WHETHER IN PERSON, BY AGENT, ORDER BID, TELEPHONE, INTERNET OR OTHER MEANS, CONSTITUTES YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF THESE "CONDITIONS OF SALE".

Payment Information

Payment may be made by cash, check or wire transfer. Visa, Master Card and Amex may be used up to the amount of $5,000 per auction. We currently
collect sales tax in CT, KS, MA, MI, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI and
VA and remit the appropriate sales tax. If we do not collect sales
tax in your state, it is still your responsibility to pay the proper tax
on your purchases.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE SALE, AT WHICH POINT THEY WILL BE RELEASED FOR SHIPMENT OR DELIVERY.

Shipping Information

As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral
for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at jvonflatern3757@theupsstore.com or 203-453-8866.
Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk
of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the
items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the
responsibility of the buyer.

Buyer's Premium

A premium of 25% of the successful bid will be applied to the
individual hammer price of all lots sold, to be paid by the buyer
as part of the purchase price. Purchases made through
Invaluable will be subject to an additional 5% charge (30%
total buyer's premium) and purchases made online through
shannons.com will be subject to an additional 2% charge
(27% buyer's premium). Payment may be made by, check,
ACH or wire transfer. Visa, MasterCard and Amex may
be used up to the amount of $5,000 per auction. We currently
collect sales tax in CT, KS, MA, MI, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI and
VA and remit the appropriate sales tax. If we do not collect sales
tax in your state, it is still your responsibility to pay the proper tax
on your purchases.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE SALE, AT WHICH POINT THEY WILL BE RELEASED FOR SHIPMENT OR DELIVERY.

Taxes on your purchase

We currently collect sales tax in CT, KS, MA, MI, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI and
VA and remit the appropriate sales tax. If we do not collect sales
tax in your state, it is still your responsibility to pay the proper tax
on your purchases.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE SALE, AT WHICH POINT THEY WILL BE RELEASED FOR SHIPMENT OR DELIVERY.

Condition Statement & Glossary of Terms

Shannon's LLC Fine Art Auctioneers acts solely as an agent for various owners and consignors. It exercises care in describing all items listed and uses judgment in attributing authorship, but offers no guarantee regarding authenticity, condition, or description. The items described in this catalog, which description may be amended by notice or announcement at sale time, are offered for sale by Shannon's LLC as agent for various owners or others authorized to sell the items.

Glossary of Terms:
After:A work of art or object made in the style of an artist or maker, but not by the artist. Sometimes refers multiples that may have used an artist's mold or plate, but were reproduced by someone other than the artist, including posthumous works. Can also be used to describe a direct reproduction after an original work of art.
Attributed (attr.):In our opinion, probably or possibly a work of art by the artist. The work is either unsigned, and/or lacks adequate provenance or authentication by experts in the field.
Bears Signature: The work is signed, but the work and signature may not be by the hand of the artist.
Manner of: Made in the likeness or style of an artist, with a slight possibility that it was made by the artist or by a follower or student of the artist. Also see "After" and "Attributed".
Possibly:Being something that may or may not be true or actual without guarantee.
Probably:Supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof. We do not guarantee it to be true.
School:Usually relates to a particular artistic or aesthetic movement. It can also relate to an actual school or to followers of a particular artist or maker. Also see:"Manner of", "Style", "Attributed to" and "After".
Style:After the time period in which the style originated, or a more recent reproduction (ie: Style of Pablo Picasso or Cubist Style), used to refer to the style of a particular artist or artistic movement, generally made long after that time period.