Antique Albert Robert Valentien Manner San Diego Arts Crafts Botanical Drawing Still Life Oil Painting California Primrose
Since Cincinnati was the birthplace of the art pottery movement in America, it is appropriate that both Anna and Albert were born there; Anna on February 27, 1862, and Albert on May 11, 1862. Albert, the son of Anna Marie (Wolter), and Frederick Valentine, received his early art training under Professor Thomas G. Noble, at the School of Design of the University of Cincinnati, which he started attending at the youthful age of thirteen and continued for five years. By the age of 19, Albert was employed at the Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati, and he became the head decorator there; remaining for 24 years. He created many beautiful ceramic pieces owned by such museums as the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Museum of Decorative Arts (Copenhagen), the National Museum (Sevres), and many others. In 1900, he received the gold medal at the Paris Exposition for his work at Rookwood.
Later, this school became the Cincinnati Art Academy which Albert continued to attend, studying with Frank Duveneck.
The trip to San Diego had worked its magic, however, and Albert recalled, "We could think of nothing but California and its vast amount of Wild Flowers and lovely climate." In April, 1908, they sold their home and moved to San Diego, purchasing a comfortable bungalow at 3903 Georgia Street. (They would remain here for the rest of their lives). Shortly after they arrived, Ellen Browning Scripps, a prominent San Diego philanthropist with an interest in natural history, commissioned Albert Valentien to take on a monumental task-the painting of all the wildflowers or plants of California.
His exquisite paintings are known to be botanically accurate and meticulous in their execution, yet breathtakingly vibrant and full of spontaneity.
12.1" Around - With Original Antique Wood Frame is approximately 14"
Still in original antique frame.
Excellent condition
Twice stamped on reverse gallery paper: "Bunn Boutique 3819 Ray St. (North Park) San Diego 4, Calif. CY 5-7346"
Not signed on the front; (possibly signed on reverse, paper not removed from seal). Listed as an attribution to the artist; manner of Albert Valentien.
Subject: California Primrose (Mohavea Confertiflora; Oenothera Californica/Californica; Common Names: Ghost Flower; California Evening Primrose)
Graphite, (Pencil Drawing); Gouache, Oil; on Round Composite Board
Possibly watercolor, as well; under varnish
A gorgeous and rare original, antique, manner of Albert Valentien San Diego Arts and Crafts drawing, and painting. Due to the exquisite nature of the artist's botanical renderings, most paintings by this artist reside in the permanent collections of museums.
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