Now, I cannot top last weeks map find, at least not in age. I think the 300 year old map will always be the oldest thing I find at an estate sale. I do have another little (not really it's kind of long) story for you. Meet "Oscar". We call him Oscar because the signature on the bottom of this painting reads "for Oscar Strobel, Mahlon Blaine '37". I always assumed it was a portrait of Oscar Strobel painted by Mahlon Blaine but it could just as easily be a self portrait of Blaine that he gifted to Oscar. Either way, around here, the painting is affectionately referred to as Oscar. We love him. He is like a member of our family. We designed and built this niche for him when we built our house. It's one of the first things you see when you walk in.
I picked this up at an estate sale for $50. It was the estate of a fairly renowned and prolific local artist. They were selling mostly her work but also a few pieces from her collection. This was from her collection. It was love at first sight for me. I love art. I love portraits. I am always drawn to them.
Oscar was attacked by my dog Jake. During our move, I was bringing Oscar over to the newly finished Pagoda. I had nothing else in the car except Jake and he was in the very back. Oscar was on the backseat - precious cargo was being brought by special delivery. There was this other dog by the car and the barking started and Jake, oh dear my heart, Jake jumped out of the back and directly onto Oscar. I kind of started screaming. Yes, I was screaming. I was freaking out. Jake had NEVER done that before. My poor baby Oscar. I was sick. I cried. Look at the damage...
Still, we love him. Here is the fun part. Even with the damage, I took Oscar to the Antiques Roadshow. OH, did I not mention I got to go to a taping of Antiques Roadshow last year? Sorry about that. They told me he was worth about $6,000 "as is" and quite a bit more if I get him restored. I think restoration is going to cost a pretty penny but I'm saving up for it. He deserves some plastic surgery don't you think - he is 73 years old after all.
Little side note: When one of the three part Phoenix Antiques Roadshows aired (last week)- you could see me and my mom in the background the entire time they were doing one the appraisals. Here is some advice if you ever get to go. DO NOT wear a babydoll top that is tight under the chest and flares out. The camera will add 210 lbs. You always HEAR 10 lbs. but what they mean is 210 lbs. I wouldn't lie to you. Well, I might but this time I'm not. It was a painful reminder that I am no longer a size 2 - not even close.
Here is some information on Oscar Strobel and Mahlon Blaine.
14 comments:
OK, in Jake's defense, the dog he was freaking out about had attacked him a couple months earlier. Whenever he saw that dog from that point after he immediately went into the red. He never got over it.
Oscar is indeed a very cool painting and some day we will get him fixed up!
You have such an astute eye. An artist recognizes art, in all its forms. I believe that is why I read your blog every day. You are subtle in many ways and I wish more of the people who work for me had your eye and finesse. This is a remarkable piece. I think you may have done better than you think (a fringe area of my expertise). Antiques Roadshow, what a hoot! If this is the kind of artwork you've got in that "Pagoda", I can't freakin' wait to see the house!
Henley, thank you for saying (writing) such lovely things. I'm not sure anyone who knows me would describe me as "subtle" but I like it so I'll keep it and make myself a little badge. I think we all love having you and your commments here.
Oh, that is such an interesting story! Oscar sort of looks like Alec Baldwin from 30 Rock at a glance! Sorry to see the damage, it sort of adds character, but I understand wanting to get him restored. Anyway, lovely little world you've got here, I'm a new follower!
Oh Shari - Hi! Nice to meet you and WELCOME. I see you've got a blog with a cute name, I'll pop over now and take a look. Happy to have you.
Henley, I thoroughly enjoy your comments, and you're right. She does recognize art in all it's forms, though I can't say I would characterize my mom as subtle. Her taste in design, yes. Her, no. :)
Love the painting. Poor Jake!
Didi you get interviewed and taped for the show? I'll bet they were LOVING your find! The whole story is just so neat! And see, now I gotta know what it is that Henley does......
Yes, you have excellent taste!
P.S. Forgot to mention I, too, enjoy reading Henley's comments!
I loved this story Jeanette...Poor Oscar...poor Jake...I feel sorry for Jake as I'm sure he didn't mean it. He was protecting your car after all...I hope you didn't stay mad at him for too long. Which appraisal would we see you at...
Don't worry Beatnheart. Jake is my other man. He is my constant companion, literally - he goes almost everywhere with me, he is my other child, one of my bestest friends. I love him to the ends of the earth and then a bit. I stayed mad at him for about 2 seconds.
You can see us when they were talking about a yarn thingy.
Poor Oscar! Poor Jake! Poor Jeanette! I know there is a happy ending in here and I will follow so I can hear the end of this saga. Great blog - glad I found ya!
i was looking at that portrait the other day and wondering why the canvas was coming apart from the frame behind it. i thought, perhaps i just did not notice how old it really was.
chalk one more up for jake! maybe we can blog about my FAVORITE TEA in the whole world made even more special by dear jake.
love him, however!
pdc
nobody is a size 2!
you will always be beautiful, petite, and 12 years old to me!
pdc
(by the way i am a girl, there was no romance here)
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