Help me solve the mystery behind this painting

It's a nice looking painting-- shame it was damaged; unfortunately much art was lost to the world during WWII. Most likely your painting is Dutch, Flemish or (southern) German. The openness of the room, width of the staircase and size of the window (glass panes used to be VERY expensive) suggests that the painting is probably from the early to mid-1800s. That also matches up with the style of painting figures from the back (or "going away") being popular from around the 1820's till the turn of the century. Beyond that, however, I can't tell a whole lot without seeing the painting in person. And even then, it might be difficult...

Hello Anniedup, Havent been around mylot for a while, been a little bit busy. Your topic is very interesting. I know that a lot of people hid valuables from the Germans during the war. I heard of a case where Elizabeth Taylor bought a Van Gogh for a huge sum of money. Years later (I think a Jewish man) insisted it was from his family and had been hidden during the war and then went missing. Unfortunately I never heard the outcome of this. I do know Liz Taylor did not want to part with it, saying that she had bought it. It is sad that the signature is gone. It would also be interesting to know if your husbands grandfather hid because of monetary value or sentimental reasons! Either way, what a lovely inheritance. If you get time, perhaps you could photograph it and post it. I would love to see it. I studied recreational fine art for 4 years and loved it. I have done a lot of paintings and drawings, but have not done anything lately. What about taking the painting to an art valuer, perhaps he/she would recognise the artist and be able to value you it also.

Hey Anniedup. I just returned from Boston this afternoon after attending a business seminar. If it wasn't for the fact that it was held in Boston, I would have pulled my hair out. I always come home with some antique books when I go there. I took an enhanced printed image of your painting with me and posed the queries of who and where after giving your summary. I couldn't find anyone there who could shed any light and I won't pretend to know any more. Your best bet is to contact one of the following three auction houses; Christie's http://www.christies.com/home_page/home_page.asp Skinner http://www.skinnerinc.com/ Sotheby's http://www.sothebys.com/ Contact the appropriate department head and ask what materials they need to make an assessment (not appraisal). Chances are they will ask for a summary like the one you provided us, along with some images. All via email or snail mail. They are usually flexible. ‹(°¿°)›

Hi Annie . . . Your hubby is from Netherlands, that's quite interesting, i visited Amsterdam four times, liked it very much and people were real friendly. Anyways, the painting is real cool damn i very much loved it. Guess it's not for sale. let me know if it is :D Well regarding solving the mystery of your painting, it is not really an easy task honestly i did a few searches with several keyword enteries online since yesterday but all my attempts were doomed 2 failure, BUT i came across a site which belongs to Indiana University and they have this thing called (Indiana University Art Museum Provenance Project) where they study the origin of paintings and works that could have been in Europe during the Nazi era (1933-1945) Try to contact them, maybe they can help you solve this mystery. http://www.iub.edu/%7Eiuam/provenance/ Good luck and thanx for your AVP, i guess you know what it means by now (Send me updates on this issue if something happened)

I am no arty fart*y but this painting is beautiful, and a very interesting story behind it, hope you get it solved!

Annie, this is an incredible discussion. I love art. I love mystery. I love research. I will be back..as Arnie said in The Terminator.

I am still looking at the picture. It is quite beautiful.