American Impressionist

(1859 -1935)

 Perhaps most famous as the single artist who was responsible for bringing Impressionism to America in the latter past of the 19th century.

He worked in the main painting in and around Boston, New York and the countryside and coastline of New England.

Without question, his fine and sought after works of art fetch exceptionally high prices at auction today and some considerably outstrip their auction estimates, many into the millions of dollars. But as with all artists that achieve high monetary values, this is clearly open to descriptor mistakes, historically incorrect attributions and even abuse, by incorrect attributions being made today. Either honestly mistakenly made, or deliberately devised to deceive.

But there is also straightforward faking to contend with, most often undertaken by the addition of a forged signature or monogram to an otherwise similar work of type and of age, but one that was created by an anonymous follower.

 It is important as well as useful to understand fully the generally observed and accepted semantics used in auction descriptions, (set out further down this page) This defines exactly what the expert view of the work offered is, and it also can drastically alter the financial outcome.

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 We are able to assist and advise you in all fine art related matters, particularly issues relating to the investigation of the legitimacy and attributions of both International and American fine art, including the works of Childe Hassam, his circle and any other work of art that you need assistance or advice with.

Some examples associated with his name appear below simply as comparative illustrations.

*No inference is made, nor is it intended as to the question of their legitimacy here. Moreover they are an across the board, representational view of the differing types of works of art that have, are, or may in the future be offered and advertised for sale at auction internationally in the public domain that you may need specialist advise on.

* ABOUT A WORK OF ARTS DESCRIPTOR AND ITS TERMINOLOGY *

As if in this case as if they were defining the works of the artist;  

Frederick Childe Hassam - American (1859 -1935)

*It is very important to clearly understand the general auction terms that are widely used in a published descriptor and to be cautious of works that may just be created in the 'manner of' the artist, or those which could be variants of the artists works of art that 'bear an applied signature' or monogram.

•  Where the name, Childe Hassam (1859 -1935) is given with the first name/s and surname of the artist, usually cited as, Childe Hassam . including the dates to be specific, then in their qualified and professional opinion, they are in no doubt, it is a genuine and authentic item and one painted by that specific artist. This is usually fully qualified by its inclusion in any catalogue raissone, or by the guarantee of the opinion given by appropriate and internationally recognized expert authority on that artist.

•  When Childe Hassam (1859 -1935) is the term used, or it is similarly defined as Attrib. to ' [abbreviated,] or Attribue, or ascribed to, then in their opinion it is 'probably' a work by the artist, at least in part. But... there is no guarantee. It is only an opinion that it 'possibly' may be by the artist.

•  But if the term Childe Hassam (1859 -1935) - circle of, entourage, or “Circle of ” Childe Hassam . is specifically used, then in their opinion, it is a work only of the period of the artist, but showing their influence. Or by someone closely associated with the artist, BUT not necessarily by their pupil or student.

•  When the name is given thus; Painted in the “Style of or “Follower of Childe Hassam (1859 -1935) is used, this means that in their opinion it is a work of art executed only in the artist’s way, in their 'style', but not necessarily by a pupil. Yet it may be a contemporary, or nearly a contemporary of the artist.

•  If the phrase in the “Manner of Childe Hassam is used or is defined….” then in their opinion it is also only a work painted in the style of the artist, but of a later date and definitely not by the artist as named.

•  When the term “After…. "; is the term used, then in their opinion it is a copy (made at any date) of an authentic and original work by the artist. This also applies to prints made 'after' an original work of art either by the artist or another artist/ printmaker.

•  Signed - Childe Hassam; “Dated….” or “Inscribed ” Then in their opinion the work has been signed/dated/or inscribed by that specific artist. The addition of a question mark ? however, indicates a strong element of doubt.

•  When the term 'Bears signature', or monogram is used, or the name, Childe Hassam is specified followed by the words; "With signature ….”, or “With date ….” or “With ......inscription….” or “Bears signature of Childe Hassam / date / or inscription” Then in 'their opinion,' either the signature / date / or inscription is spurious, forged or has been added by someone else other than the artist.
  

We can assist and advise you in all fine art related matters.