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Cornelis Botke (1887-1954)
“Bodega Bay”
1948, First edition
Etching on paper
8” H x 12” W (image size)
14.5” H x 18.5” W (frame size)
Signed lower right: Cornelis Botke
Estimated value: $1,500 - $2,500
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. The Botkes ultimately settled on a ranch in Santa Paula in 1929.
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 acclaimed collections including the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian.
“Bodega Bay” is located north of San Francisco Bay. This etching was exhibited by the American Society of Graphic Arts in 1948, and was awarded the Associated Membership Prize by the California Society of Etchers in 1949. It was also acquired by the California State Library collection in 1955.
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 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, August 16, 2025
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.