Lot 183: Sunny American La France Roses” by the artist Marie Koupal Lusk

This is an ORIGINAL painting entitled “Sunny American La France Roses” by the artist Marie Koupal Lusk (see biography below). It is a spectacular study of freshly gathered pink cabbage roses, casually laid upon a book, with sheet music entitled Love overhead. It gives the impression that someone had just come in from the garden for perhaps a music lesson, and laid the roses down for a moment to fetch a vase. This is an original (1895) and excellent piece of art. Still life work (especially roses) is desirable at high end auctions and one with this amount of historical provenance from the owner and the artist should do very well in worldwide markets. This artist is Illinois artist Marie Koupal Lusk (1862-1929) who made a name for herself with her hand and detail (clearly seen here in this painting) throughout her art career and after into the 1890’s and at the turn of the century. She had an impact through exhibits in Europe and in the US, the Chicago World’s Fair but also in developing Bohemian arts club inspiring and bringing together artists in and around Chicago. According to an appraiser, “I would suggest to start at $2,700-$3,000 as the full picture of the work and its history would be appropriate to this range”. This piece has some minor scratches due to its age. But the painting detail is in excellent condition. The minor scratches appear along the outer limits of the work and not in the center of this beautiful still life.

Oil on Canvas behind Liquid Glass

1920s

Good

Private Estate

Please note that there is some minor chips on the outer edges of this painting. Also note that the artist passed away in 1929 so the painting with her original signature is very old.