Frank Van Sloun (California, 1879-1938) oil on canvas California landscape painting, depicting a bird''s eye view of buildings on a narrow peninsula, with low mountain rising in the distance. Signed "Von Sloun" lower left. 2 inscriptions en verso on different parts of stretcher: "San Francisco" and "Reyes Park / San Diego" en verso. Sight: 19" H x 15 1/2" W. Frame: 24" H x 20" W.

Biography: Minnesota-born Frank Van Sloun was an artist known for diversity in his style and mediums; during his career he used such varied styles as Impressionism, Pointillism, and Realism, and his oeuvre includes oils, pastels, and tempera compositions as well as etchings and monotypes. Van Sloun studied under Robert Henri and at the Chase School. While there, he allied himself with the Society of Independent Artists and helped organize their first exhibition in 1910. He settled in San Francisco in 1911 and taught at the CSFA and UC Berkeley, while also exhibiting at the San Francisco Art Association (SFAA) from 1908-1938. Van Sloun was known for his murals including 12 murals in the State Library and Court Building in Sacramanto. He died in 1938 after falling in his studio while preparing murals for the Golden Gate International Exposition. He was a member of the Internationale des Beaux Arts et des Lettres (1909); SFAA; Calif. Society of Etchers; Society of Mural Painters; Carmel Art Association; and the Bohemian Club. He won a bronze medal at the Panama Pacific International Exhibition in 1915. Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"; American Art Annual 1919-33; California Historical Society Quarterly, winter 1975; Oakland Tribune 8-28-1938 (obituary).

CONDITION: 3/4" repaired tear lower left quadrant in foliage. Aging cracks, extending to the support, particularly visible in the upper half of the painting. Frame repainted with several small surface losses.