Discoveries: A Forum that Highlights Important Finds, Significant Objects, New Research, and Museum Acquisitions by Staff from Antiques & Fine Art magazine

A Respite by the River
Oil on canvas, 18-1/2 x 15 inches
Courtesy of Meyer Fine Art, Inc., Yonkers, NY

Most unsigned paintings never get authenticated with concrete evidence. Such was not the fate for this work by Hudson River artist William M. Hart. For sixteen years this outstanding landscape eluded identification by those familiar with it. Over the years it had been attributed to Winslow Homer, Thomas Anshutz, James Hart, and William Hart. When the painting was purchased in December of 2006 from the Alexander Gallery in New York, it had been given an 80% attribution to William Hart. On March 3, 2007, at 2:30 am, this long standing mystery was solved. While browsing the online catalogue for Pook and Pook Auctioneers in Pennsylvania, the owner came across a study that was signed by William M. Hart. At first glance it was recognized as the study for the mystery painting: the scene, though from a slightly different angle; the hand; and the color palette were aligned. The study was purchased and the two pieces were united. At last William M. Hart can receive the recognition for painting this beautiful American scene.