Authentic Mid Century Photograph of N.S. Frenk 1895-1945
Authentic Gelatin Silver (printed in darkroom) Photograph of a Sculpture (bust) of N.S. Frenk (1885-1945). Measures 8×10 inches. Great sepia tone, with mild aging. Ink stamp on verso: ‘Fotografie, Dick Wolters, Safilevenstraat 12, Rotterdam, Giro, 610584, Tel. 34856’.
Asking USD$150.
Research reveals:
“N.S. Frenk & son Ltd. Shipchandlers Willemskade 18 Rotterdam
https://museumrotterdam.nl/collectie/item/60011
Part of the private art collection of a Los Angeles collector of mid century art, who passed away in 1999. Acquired via his son in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In several weeks of research, I’ve been able to conclude that the collection belonged to a private art dealer, with quite a variation his selection of acquisitions. We can find paintings containing abstract, portraiture, still life & landscapes; along with quite a variation in photography from journalistic, picturesque to mildly erotic.
The collection also include sculptures, coins & even Elvis Presley paraphernalia.
It is my understanding, going through most of the archives, that the collector had amassed an incredible quantity of art history books, magazines, newspaper clippings & hundreds of handwritten notes, for the purpose of appraising & identifying works from not only his own collection, but to appraise and identify the origin of artworks owned by clients of his (which I have found and acquired, in the art dealer’s archives).
Update: Further research in the archives of the collector has determined that the person was indeed an independent art dealer, who sold artworks by commission, and also, like myself, purchased, researched and sold from his own collection. I am currently in the process of scanning and archiving any relevant paperwork to solid the provenance. – November 2021