Great Painting - Oil on Panel - Any ideas?

[randazzo1]

I come across dozens of paintings / prints etc. that catch my eye for one reason or another and I display them in my home and office. I don't think any of them are especially valuable but they all appeal to me. This one that I'm posting I came across today at a charity thrift store. It's somewhat appealling to me because the kid looks so melancholy, but it's not really my style ( I like boats!). However, I have a gut feeling that it's more valuable than my other paintings. It just looks good for some reason.

Its an oil on panel. Impressionist portrait of small boy with scraped knees. Signed. Some chips to gesso. Some paint loss. Some dents to the edges. Evidence of frame tacks. Any ideas from the pictures below as to the artist, time period, country of origin (I presume U.S.) -- anything that can help me find out if its a listed artist. Thanks in advance. I realize this is a needle in haystack.

 

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[themarkd]

John French Sloane

https://www.google.com/search?q=joh...w&biw=1024&bih=653&sei=PyXSUK_yAtPHqAHkhYHoDg

 

[randazzo1]

John French Sloane

https://www.google.com/search?q=joh...w&biw=1024&bih=653&sei=PyXSUK_yAtPHqAHkhYHoDg

Thanks Markd -- very similar style! Doesn't look like its the same guy though. Too bad, as his paintings sell for a substantial amount of money at auction. He may just have to go up on the wall as an unknown.

 

[themarkd]

Wasnt sure. Name looked similar, style was close but not identical.

 

[N.J.THer]

Why don't you sent a picture to one of the auction houses and see what they say? Not sure if there is a fee...I would just send it without asking about a fee. If it is auction worthy they will let you know so they could try to sell it for you. If they reply that there is a fee then it is most likely not worth anything.

Good luck

NJ

 

[mjm579]

I'm making out Jody for the first name. Do you see this in person? I'll take a closer look at the other names.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Was able to enhance the signature a bit by blowing it up and hand colored
the signature at a higher magnification.

Any better?

 

[mjm579]

Was able to enhance the signature a bit by blowing it up and hand colored
the signature at a higher magnification.

Any better?

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=839140"/>

Much better !

One more question, any chance you have a black light? Not sure if it would help, but it might help identify paint type and decade. I know it can help with jewelry and glass, so perhaps it could help here as well.

Let me do a little research and get back to you.

 

[mjm579]

Was able to enhance the signature a bit by blowing it up and hand colored
the signature at a higher magnification.

Any better?

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=839140"/>

Here is what I found so far -

Examining Works of Art (about.com; antiques) - Since we now know that modern paint will fluoresce under a black light, you can also easily inspect paintings for touch-ups and repairs. Hairline cracks in oil paintings can also become more visible when examined under ultraviolet light. If you’re a serious art collector, or want to become one, it’s wise to buy a book specific to art inspection to learn more about how ultraviolet lights can be used to test for authenticity and repairs before purchasing a pricey works of art.

Testing Ephemera (about.com; antiques) -Old postcards, books, signs, photos and other paper products made before the late 1930s rarely glow under a black light. However, chemical bleaches and dyes used in modern papers will fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Knowing this helps to detect forged documents and distinquish reproductions in all types of ephemera. Before purchasing a rare paper memorabilia, however, have it examined by an expert who will have knowledge and tools beyond black light testing to aid in authentication.

This is definitely bringing out the nerd in me - http://www.paintingsauthenticity.com/
I have access to an IR and a microscope at work. Check with your friends and family, especially if they work in industry and they might be able to help you out here as well.