Works by William S. Schwartz, Francis Hopkinson Smith, and More at Brunk Auctions

This upcoming sale at Brunk Auctions will feature an oil painting by William S. Schwartz, titled A Waterfall in Wisconsin. Schwartz considered himself a “romantic modernist,” drawing inspiration from Cubism, Surrealism, and Constructivism while refusing to conform to trends. In his paintings, the artist often used driftwood abstractions, biomorphic shapes, and narrative symbols to convey his imagination. Schwartz’s paintings, in particular landscapes and abstractions, were widely acclaimed for their use of bright, saturated hues, part of which reflected El Greco’s influence. Another notable mixed-media painting in the catalog is Francis Hopkinson Smith’s Venice. A self-taught artist, Smith specialized in charcoal and watercolor paintings as well as plein-air landscapes. He earned recognition for his watercolors and charcoal drawings, which were featured in several of his books on travel.

Beyond fine art, bidders can consider the Delaware Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay Map by John Churchman, one of the few maps published in America during the Revolutionary War. John Churchman drew this map for the American Philosophical Society. The map illustrates canals that might exist between the Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, the map shows anchorages as well as shoals and sandbanks as navigational obstructions. Hand-drawn county boundaries and colors are used. To view the complete catalog of the Premier Auction – Session II | November 18, 2023, | Lot 1008-1473 sale and to find other online auctions, visit Bidsquare.