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Whale Capsizing Sketch, c. 1870s, John Mazzanovich

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Whale Capsizing Sketch, c. 1870s, John Mazzanovich
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Page from the sketch book of scenic artist John Mazzanovich. One side: small color sketch of whale capsizing small whaling boat. Pieces of the boat, as well as the whalers, are tossed into the air. One man is already in the water. In the background, another boat full of men next to high, rocky cliffs. A larger sailboat in the distance. Initials "J.M." bottom right corner. Pencil notation on bottom indicates artist but has incorrect date (1860), which would have meant he was four years old when he sketched this. Much more likely it was in the 1870s. Reverse page: another sketch by Mazzanovich. This second scene is uncolored. A house alongside a river with a stone bridge adjacent. Condition: light soiling and rough edges, with one 1/4" tear. Overall, very nice. Page measures 11 1/4" x 8 1/2." John Mazzanovich (1856-1886) lived a short, but respected life as a scenic artist. He came over from Italy when he was 15 and settled in Portland, OR. His father enlisted him as a bugler in the regular army at age 16, which upset John. While enlisted, his regiment's surgeon noticed his artistic talent and arranged for his discharge. He worked in San Francisco as a carriage painter and a scenic artist for theatres. In 1879, he moved to New York to work as a scenery artist for theatres such as Wallack's and the Star, before heading to Toronto and Chicago. He died of consumption at the age of thirty. [ref: New York Times, June 10, 1886] Burger CollectionCity: County: State: Date: