PBA Galleries

5.5x9 cm (2¼x3½").

Delicate and exquisitely rendered little watercolor, most likely a portion of the California coast, possibly Point Reyes from the sea, or, it has been speculated, the Marin headlands just north of the Golden Gate, again seen from the sea. George Henry Burgess (1831-1905) ventured to California from his native England in 1849, seeking gold, but gaining fame for the many watercolors he painted of the Golden State, notably view of the frontier towns and cities. With letter of authenticity from art historian Joseph Armstrong Baird, Jr., dated March 17, 1986: "I have looked at a painting by the well-known Californian and American artist, George Henry Burgess... This work is fully described below. I firmly believe it to be an authentic work by Burgess, both because of its style and its provenance: well known to me. 'Sailing Ships by a Lofty Landmass.' Signature indecipherable, but George Henry Burgess. Dated twice: on the face, lower right, August 6, 1867; on the verso: August, 1867. Watercolor on paper..."