Lot 488: 3 Thomas Campbell Watercolors, Venetian Scenes

Grouping of three (3) Thomas Campbell (American/Tennessee, 1834-1914) watercolor paintings on paper or cardstock depicting various views of Venice, Italy including one depicting the "Lion of Venice" signed lower right T CAMPBELL; one depicting sailboats and figures, with the Venice coastline visible in the background signed T CAMPBELL lower left; and one depicting St. Mark's Square, initialed lower right TC. The Lion of Venice painting is housed in a gilt wood frame, Sight: 9 1/2" H x 6 1/2" W, Framed: 16" H x 12 3/4" W The remaining two paintings are housed in bird's eye maple frames with corner elements and silk mats. Sight: 5 1/2" H x 8 1/2" W, Framed: 13" H x 15 1/2" W and Sight: 3" H x 7 3/4" W, Framed: 10 1/2" H x 14 3/4" W. Artist's Biography: Painting was a second career for Thomas Campbell, who immigrated to the United States at age 19, and was ordained as a minister in 1866. He and his family moved to East Tennessee in hopes that climate change would improve his wife's health, Susan, but she died in 1892. At that point, Campbell retired from the ministry and turned art, which had been his hobby, into his job. He founded the art department at Maryville College in 1902 and headed it until his death. His paintings were exhibited regionally and won several prizes and medals. He was also active in the Nicholson Art League and was a talented wood carver who produced picture frames and small pieces of furniture.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of John Z. C. Thomas, Knoxville, TN.

CONDITION: St. Mark's Square painting with scattered brown spotting to paper. Remaining paintings overall very good condition.