Lot 155: W. FREDERICK JARVIS (1898-1966)

W. FREDERICK JARVIS (1898-1966)
Altadena Poppies Altadena California
Oil on canvas
28in. x 36in.
Signed lower left

In the early days of Altadena, the hills and fields below the foot of Echo Mountain were covered with poppies, much to the delight of all who laid eyes on them. The Spanish, when sailing up and down the newly-discovered coast, looked inland and saw the "flame" of orange-yellow poppies spread upon the hillsides. This was the "land of fire." They said the alter cloth of San Pascal was spread upon the hills and with devotional spirit the explorers disembarked from their ships to worship on the shore. An Indian legend says the presence of gold in the earth is due to the petals that have fallen year after year, and sank into the soil.

It is now difficult to recognize the area these golden flowers once inhabited. The only indication left of the stunning beauty of the Altadena poppy are street names like Poppyfield Drive, old postcards from the early 1900s, and the few surviving paintings like Jarvis's Altadena Poppies Altadena California.

Provenance:
Acquired by descent from the artist by the present owner

Excellent condition. New frame in excellent condition.