Aspire Auctions - Henry Pember Smith

Henry Pember Smith (American 1854- 1907)

A specialist in marine and landscape views, Henry Pember Smith was born in Waterford, Connecticut in 1854. Little is known about his early training or his career before 1877, when he set up a studio in New York City. It is generally assumed that he was self- taught. From 1877 on, Smith exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design, although he never became a member. Smith also exhibited at the American Watercolor Society and the Artists' Fund. His landscapes are his best known works, particularly those of New England, Spain, Italy, England, New York State, and France. These also indicate his love of travel and some of his best known works are Venetian scenes. Working primarily in oils and watercolors, and using a tighter technique than the emerging impressionists of his time, Smith was a true realist. Around 1901, Smith moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey to seek relief from ill health and rheumatism. He died there in October, 1907.

September 2006 Fine Arts and Antiques Auction
Lot 30. A country cottage by a lake. Oil on canvas, signed in the lower right corner, framed in a simple wide wood frame with a gilded liner, 14" x 20" canvas size, with framing overall 20" x 26". One of the artist's most recognizable subjects, he favored painting many views of this idyllic location. The scene features a charming cottage behind a stone fence in late afternoon sun. Ducks traverse a lane at the right, beyond which is seen a placid lake and distant hills. The central figure is an enormous old tree in full summer bloom. There is a sticker on the back of the stretcher from Babcock Gallery in New York, and one from The Bonfoey Company in Cleveland (where it was cleaned and framed about 60 years ago).
4000.00/8000.00 Sold $3,335.00