Early California luminous landscape by Alfred Villiers Farnsworth (1858-1908).

Watercolor on artists board. Signed lower left "AV Farnsworth" (and possibly dated "1897" under the signature). Mounted in the original Arts and Crafts frame. Gallery label on the reverse of the frame: Schussler Bros. / Art Dealers / 285 Geary Street, San Francisco.

This work depicts a coastal landscape, with cows grazing at the foot of the Marin Headlands, near the beach, in the area of the present day Fort Cronkhite Rodeo Lagoon. Although the date under the signature is indistinct, it appears to read 1897. Beautiful unfaded colors and dynamic composition in this early view.

PAINTING (sight) - 7 1/4" x 14 1/2"

FRAME - 10 1/4" x 17 1/2"

PROVENANCE : Schussler Brothers Art Gallery circa 1900. San Francisco collection.

NOTES / REFERENCES : Alfred Villiers Farnsworth (1858-1908). Watercolorist. Born in England. Being from an upper class family, Farnsworth was well educated in England and later became a member of the British Royal Engineers. While studying civil engineering in Paris, he became interested in painting and may have had some instruction there. From Paris, he moved to Canada where his sketching ability was of great use while working as a railroad surveyor.

Farnsworth lived for several years in Spokane, Washington. Upon coming to San Francisco in 1892, he gained employment as an artist for the San Francisco Examiner and, while there, painted many luminous watercolors. He later moved across the bay to Marin County where he was a resident of San Anselmo, Stinson Beach, and San Rafael. He sometimes painted with Thad Welch and Louis Rea.

His painted scenes of the San Francisco Bay area including views of Mount Tamalpais and the Mann hills, the Golden Gate, Fort Point, and the Marin coast. He died on Sept. 17, 1908 at Adler's Sanitarium in San Francisco.

Exhibited: California Artists, Golden Gate Park Museum, 1915. Collections: San Jose Museum; De Young Museum, SF; Marin County Historical Society; Civic Art Gallery of San Jose; Society of California Pioneers; Oakland Museum; California Historical Society.

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Painting in excellent condition. No fading or damage. Original glass in place over the painting. Frame in generally good condition with wear.Please see description and photographs.