RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

Great reading your column each week. My wife and I enjoy it better than watching the Antiques Road-show on television. Here’s our question. We hope it gets printed. About 40 years ago I frequently helped out an elderly neighbor with her yard work and running errands for her. Before she died, she gave me this painting and mentioned that she had been friends with the artist. I know it is a watercolor. It measures 27 inches high and 37 inches wide. She told me to save it and that someday it would be valuable. So, it’s been hanging on our bedroom wall for many years. I’m not very interested in art, but I do like this painting. The more I look at it, the more interesting it becomes. The colors are so beautiful. The artist’s name I was unable to make out, so I’m sending you several photographs of the signature on this painting. Please tell me any information you may know about this artist if you can figure out the name. Also, might it have any value? I’m interested in your opinion of this painting. Thank you in advance for your time.

Harold in Park Ridge

Harold as soon as I saw the photos of your painting, I knew exactly who the painter was. This artist is one of my personal favorites and yes, he was a local artist from Orangeburg, New York. Your painting was executed by the self-taught, very well listed, important American artist John Edward Costigan (1888 – 1972). I personally own several of his paintings. I’ve met several long time residents of Pearl River, New York that actually knew him and visited his studio that used to be on Orangeburg Road, near the reservoir. He is well known in the art world for his strong brush strokes and his interest in the common person as a subject model.

Most of his subjects in his paintings were his wife and children. His wife, Ida Blessin, was also an artist. His most famous mediums are oil and watercolor paintings, but he was also a printmaker. In 1928 he became a member of the prestigious National Academy of Design. Hence the A.N.A initials on your painting next to his name. He was also a long-time member of the Salmagundi Club in New York City. His art adorns the walls of this art club located at 47 5th Avenue. John E. Costigan has an impressive auction history, with prices reaching into the five digits.

Your watercolor painting, with its wonderful gold leaf finish wood frame, has a value of 2,500 USD. Thank you for sending me the clear photographs. I truly enjoyed getting to see an undiscovered John Costigan painting. Keep in mind, art collectors really get excited when an undiscovered painting by an important artist appears on the market. If you’re ever in New York City, stop at the Salmagundi Club to see more of his fantastic paintings and wood-block etchings. I know you will enjoy viewing more of his work.