W. H. Willcox 1878 paintings. "Before the Hatch" & "After the Flight"
Pair of paintings titled "Before the Hatch" & "After the Flight". Re-mounted at some point in 20th century into modern frames behind glass. Original name plates conserved on rear of frame. Art appears to be on paper then mounted on board.Not sure of medium as it could be watercolor and or pastels. Mixed medium? Before the hatch is 23" H x 18.5 " W and After the Flight is 23" H x 18 3/4" W
Acquired at local auction in Northeast Pennsylvania. Providence unknown but can be obtained.
Auction House
Maybe
Dear Stephen,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a pair of gouache drawings on paper with the measurements of 23 x 18 2/3 inches. The two drawings depict the nest of a ground-breeding bird one time with the eggs and the second motif as an empty nest. These chronological motifs mirror the title "Before the Hatch" and "After the Flight". The nests are surrounded by botanically correct depicted flowers and plants. The artworks are signed with the name "W. H. Wilcox" and dated 1878. Sadly there is no exactly fitting artist mentioned in reference books and databases. There is an American artist known with the name William H Wilcox (1831-?) who painted a portrait. These botanical and ornithological motifs in the art are more or less common and beloved in Great Britain but it is thinkable that it was made also by an American artist.
Works by this artist were recently offered and sold on the international auction market.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 400 to 800 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
