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Detail
Signature
Cornelis Botke (1887-1954)
“Beside a Valley Road”
1942, First edition
Etching on paper
9” H x 7” W (image size)
16” H x 14” W (frame size)
Signed lower right: Cornelis Botke
Estimated value: $1,500 - $2,500
Additional Information
Trees were a favorite subject of Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954), particularly within his etchings. In this first edition 1942 etching, Botke’s deftly drawn lines lead our eye down a road near Bodega Bay in Northern California. An old sycamore tree sits beside a weathered fence, which leads past an old barn and onward to homes and hills in the distance. Prints of this etching were acquired for the California State Library permanent collection and the Library of Congress permanent collection in 1943. A print of this etching was also featured in Botke’s solo exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute in 1944.
Artist Biography
Cornelis Botke was born in Holland in 1887 and graduated from the Haarlem School of Applied Design at age 18. After immigrating to the U.S., Botke found work as an architectural draftsman in Chicago. While in that city, Botke met and married Jessie Arms, a painter and muralist. In 1919, the Botkes moved to Carmel, California, where Cornelis taught at Carmel Arts and Crafts.
As an artist trained extensively in architectural drawing, etching came naturally to Botke when he took up the medium in the early 1920s. He quickly became one of the most esteemed etchers in the country and around the world. Botke's etchings can be found in many prestigious collections including the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and the Santa Paula Art Museum.
Cornelis was also an avid oil and watercolor painter. In addition to working alongside his wife on large mural commissions, his paintings were widely exhibited, including at the Los Angeles County Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Auction Information
The 13th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, August 19, 2023
The silent auction starts at 3:00 PM.
The live auction starts at 4:00 PM.
Auction admission: $15.00 SPAM members, $20.00 Non-members
All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization #2478728.
All major credit cards, check, and cash are accepted.
Sales tax will be applied to all hammer prices. There is no buyer’s premium.