Artist Unknown


Artist Gallery
Could there be a gentle breeze in the air the day this painting was created or has the flag been placed upside down on purpose? An even more peculiar sight is present on this painting - two different signatures, one in each corner. In 1991 “North Conway” was designated for restoration. Restored while under treatment, it became evident that the second signature was inscribed on the image under a layer of paint on the left - the signature says J.B. Bristol. On the right, G. Inness is signed. In 1968, the leading expert on George Inness, LeRoy Ireland stated, “This sketch was done with the thought in mind to do a larger canvas of the same scene later on. The signature is spurious but this could happen and the painting still could be genuine. Three people signed Inness paintings, Mrs. Inness, his widow, George Inness, Jr., his son, and Mr. Hartley, his son-in-law”. Ireland felt confident enough about this painting to include it in his catalog Raisonne on Inness (item number 748). George Inness lived from 1825 to 1894. He was born on a farm near Newburgh, New York. In his youth he moved with his family to Newark, New Jersey. Inness was the fifth of fifteen children and become a grocer, but Inness wanted to paint. Although with a beginning of art instruction, Inness was largely self-taught and by age 19 exhibited a painting at the National Academy of Design. John Bunyan Bristol lived from 1826 to 1909. Born in Hillsdale, New York, he took a four-week course from portrait painter Henry Ary, but otherwise he taught himself from nature. Bristol traveled widely along the eastern seaboard gathering material, and in 1859 went to Florida. In 1892, he married and settled in New York City, spending his summers in New England and other northern states. “North Conway” does seem to be shrouded in perpetual mourning; however, the source of the gloom is never disclosed. One might surmise it lies in the heart of the painter or perhaps painters. Even the experts can be misled!