RARE Anna B. Crocker (1868-1961) Signed Watercolor – Portland Art Museum Curator For Sale

RARE Anna B. Crocker (1868-1961) Signed Watercolor – Portland Art Museum Curator

Item Specifics:

• Artist: Anna Belle Crocker (Listed Oregon Artist)

• Title: Flower

• Medium: Watercolor on Paper

• Subject: Floral Still Life

• Style: Impressionist / American Modernism

• Region of Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA

• Provenance:From the Estate of Mrs. Paul Feldenheimer (Prominent PAM Patron)

• Markings: Museum Label & Artist\'s Address on Verso

Item Description:

Exquisite Original Watercolor \"Flower\" by Anna B. Crocker

Available for your collection is a delicate and historically important watercolor by Anna Belle Crocker, one of the most influential figures in the history of the Portland Art Museum. Best known for her portraits and impressionist landscapes, this floral study showcases her mastery of the watercolor medium and her \"loose,\" modern touch.

Why This Piece is Significant:

• Historical Provenance: Anna B. Crocker served as the Curator of the Portland Art Museum (1909–1936). She was responsible for bringing the infamous 1913 Armory Show (including Duchamp\'s Nude Descending a Staircase) to Portland, forever changing the West Coast art scene.

• The Provenance & Story:The back of the painting features a typed label from thePortland Art Museumand a handwritten note toMrs. Paul (Edith) Feldenheimer. Edith Feldenheimer was a renowned collector and benefactor who loaned and gifted significant works to the museum during her lifetime. This piece was part of her private collection, likely a personal acquisition or gift from her colleague, Anna B. Crocker.

• Museum-Held Artist: Her works are rarely seen on the private market, as several of her key pieces are held in the permanent collection of the Portland Art Museum.

• The \"Flower\" Study: While Crocker was a celebrated portraitist, her private studies of nature—like this \"Flower\"—reveal her personal interest in the Arts and Crafts movement and the teaching philosophies of Arthur Wesley Dow.

• Dimensions: 14.5\"x 11.5\" (frame)

Condition:

The artwork is in excellent vintage condition.The colors remain soft and elegant. No evidence of foxing or moisture damage to the paper.The paper is well-preserved, and the soft, ethereal colors of the watercolor remain vibrant. The verso (back) contains historical labels.

About the Artist:Anna B. Crocker was the \"Founding Mother\" of the Portland art scene, serving as curator for nearly three decades. Her work is rarely found on the open market, as most of her output remains within institutional collections. This floral study highlights her \"loose,\" modern style, influenced by her studies with Arthur Wesley Dow.