In this feature, we hear from Jon Felz, an expert appraiser from RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, who provides valuable insights on evaluating prized possessions. Have something you're curious about having appraised? Reach out to Jon for a chance to have your items featured in a future "Ask the Appraiser" column.
Note to Appraiser:
After reading your wonderful column for years, I finally got the nerve to write to you about a painting I inherited about 40 years ago.
In your profession, are there times when you spend a great deal of time trying to figure out an artist’s signature? That is my dilemma. Not only have I examined it with a magnifying glass, but several family members have tried to identify the artist’s name as well, without success.
I even brought the painting to a local antique dealer. While he offered to purchase it, he was unable to identify the artist. So, as they say, the ball is in your court.
The painting measures 13 by 10 inches. If you are able to read the signature, could you please tell me about the artist and perhaps its value? The day may be approaching when I decide to sell it, and the dealer I spoke with seemed very interested. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thank you,
Chris
Appraisal Response:
I certainly understand your frustration in trying to identify the artist. Art dealers regularly spend a great deal of time deciphering signatures on paintings. However, there are many works of art that can be identified by style alone, sometimes even before the signature is examined. Your painting is one of them.
The work in question was created by the important Danish artist Johann Berthelsen (1883–1972), a self-taught Impressionist painter. He is best known for his poetic depictions of New York City, often set in snowy scenes.
Born in Copenhagen, Berthelsen moved with his mother to Wisconsin at a young age, where he developed an early interest in the arts — including singing, acting and painting. He later relocated to Chicago, where he received a full scholarship to the Chicago Musical College.
Much of his early career was spent touring the United States as an opera performer. It was not until around 1910 that he began to seriously pursue painting, encouraged by Norwegian American Impressionist Svend Svendsen.
In 1920, Berthelsen moved to New York City, where he began creating the work for which he is best known. His soft, atmospheric cityscapes often evoke the romantic Impressionist landscapes of 19th-century Paris.
During the Great Depression following the 1929 stock market crash, Berthelsen lost many of his students, and his family was forced to downsize. At that time, a fellow artist encouraged him to work in oils, which proved to be a turning point in his career. His paintings gained popularity, and he went on to sell works to prominent collectors, including William Randolph Hearst, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore.
His work remained in demand throughout his life. In the mid-1930s, he also participated in several New Deal WPA art programs. He joined the Salmagundi Club in New York City in 1935 and remained a member until his death.
Having studied his work at the Salmagundi Club, I’ve come to admire his soft hues and expressive brushwork — and have even become a collector myself. His paintings have been exhibited in numerous New York galleries, including the Barbizon-Plaza Galleries and the Jean Bohne Gallery.
Berthelsen continued painting well into his 80s. In 1971, he was struck by a car, which led to declining health and ultimately his death the following year.
As for value, Berthelsen’s work is highly sought after. His paintings often sell for tens of thousands of dollars. An average piece from his New York City period typically ranges between $10,000 and $30,000. Based on the size of your painting and recent auction results, a fair current appraised value would be approximately $8,500.
You may want to consider having the painting insured, as its value is likely to appreciate over time.
And by the way, Chris — you never mentioned what the antique dealer offered you!
Jon Felz - Senior Appraiser
RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, Inc.
Address: 132 Dexter Avenue, Pearl River, NY
Phone: 845-735-1313
Email: rzmantique@aol.com