Exceptional Early 20th C. Jack Gage Stark CA Impressionist Silver City, NM Oil

This listing is for “House in Pierros Bravos” by Jack Gage Stark (1882-1950) pictured above. About this work: A very important early California Impressionist work by Jack Gage Stark, who is considered among the first Impressionist artists in Southern California. This small, sumptuous work depicts a house and landscape in Silver City, New Mexico where Stark resided up until 1913. At the center of the composition are a pair of small houses surrounded by a pair of barren trees. A wonderfully and confidently painted sky contains several purple-white clouds, billowing above the rooftops of the structures below. This same purple color palette extends to the foreground, where it is juxtaposed against strokes of green. The work appears unsigned (it is mounted to board, hiding any possible inscriptions); however, an older label on the reverse identifies the title and location of the composition. Stark had a few exhibitions of his early impressionist work from Silver City, and it is possible that this work was included in one of them (one of note is the May 1915 exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art). Stark is discussed extensively in “California Impressionism” by William H. Gerdts. Gerdts discusses reviews of his first few exhibitions, identifying him as an early Impressionist, dating back to his 1908 exhibition at Findlay Art Gallery. Stark’s works were met with rave reviews by critics in the Los Angeles area. A review by Antony Anderson in the Los Angeles Times in 1909 declared Stark’s paintings “an educator and an eye-opener to the purblind public of Los Angeles.” In addition to Stark’s importance in Californian and American art history, his works remain remarkably scarce. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a great example of his work at a fraction of traditional gallery prices. *Included with this work is an exhibition mailer for an unrelated exhibition of Stark’s work at the Carroll Carstairs Gallery in NYC in 1947. The mailer is inscribed by Stark with a note to his friend E. C. “Max” Maxwell, who wrote the introduction for the exhibition. The connection between the mailer and the work is unclear; however, it is possible that both belonged to Max at some point. Provenance: Private collection, PA; Acquired from the above Size: 5 inches tall by 6 inches wide (artwork) 9.5 inches tall by 10.5 inches wide (frame) Condition: Very good overall condition. Recently professionally cleaned. Some frame rubbing. Typical wear to frame. It is ready to be displayed and enjoyed! This work will be carefully packed and shipped with insurance and signature confirmation. Free local pick up is also available. International buyers - please note I cannot lower the declared value of the package for customs. I frequently receive messages from people after I sell an item, asking if it is definitely gone. If something catches your eye, don't hesitate to inquire before it is sold! Feel free to ask any questions.