HENRY PEMBER SMITH SEASCAPE OIL PAINTING 19c AMERICAN

HENRY PEMBER SMITH SEASCAPE OIL PAINTING 19c AMERICAN
DETAILS:
- ARTIST: Henry Pember Smith
- BIRTH: American, (1854-1907)
- TITLE: Seascape
- SIGNED: Henry Pember Smith (lr)
- MEDIUM: Oil on Artist Board
- SIZE: 11.5 x 15.5 In. (artwork) / 18.75 x 22.75 In. (framed)
- CONDITION: Very good to excellent; minor crazing throughout, mostly fine and stable. Blacklights with 80% original surface paint. Inpaint: (most notably to the upper sky). Recently varnished. Otherwise presents well!
- Additional Notes: Housed in a period, likely original hand carved gilt wooden acanthus leaf wooden frame. Overall size: 18.75 x 22.75 inches.
BACKGROUND:
A specialist in marine and landscape views, Henry Pember Smith was born in Waterford, Connecticut in 1854. Little is known about his early training or his career before 1877, when he set up a studio in New York City. It is generally assumed that he was self- taught. From 1877 on, Smith exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design, although he never became a member. Smith also exhibited at the American Watercolor Society and the Artists' Fund.
His landscapes are his best known works, particularly those of New England, Spain, Italy, England, New York State, and France. These also indicate his love of travel and some of his best known works are Venetian scenes. Working primarily in oils and watercolors, and using a tighter technique than the emerging impressionists of his time, Smith was a true realist.
Around 1901, Smith moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey to seek relief from ill health and rheumatism. He died there in October, 1907.
Condition Report: Very good to excellent; minor crazing throughout, mostly fine and stable. Blacklights with 80% original surface paint. Inpaint: (most notably to the upper sky). Recently varnished. Otherwise presents well!