1930s Arcadian Oil Painting Signed Coghlan - Owned by Paul Newman's Mother/Documents Intact

Details

Description

A large Arcadian landscape in oil, c. 1930: a waterfall and classical temple, nude figures and putti, and golden autumn … Read more A large Arcadian landscape in oil, c. 1930: a waterfall and classical temple, nude figures and putti, and golden autumn trees. Signed lower right in red — an interlaced monogram followed by "OGHLAN" (read as Coghlan) — and dated 193–.

PROVENANCE: THE NEWMAN FAMILY
Sold with its original paper trail:
• Handwritten letter dated April 15, 1983, on the letterhead of Arthur S. Newman, Jr. (1924–2020), Paul Newman's older brother. He writes that his mother bought the painting in 1930–31, that it hung over her sofa until she sold the family home in 1980, and that it was then shipped to Sierra Dawn Estates in Hemet, California. He notes he did not know who the artist was.
• Two color snapshots date-stamped 3-26-'93 showing the painting framed and hanging.
• Hilton notepad card inscribed "COGHLAN 1930 / BONELLI / GABRI."
• Mailing envelope from C. O'Brien Fine Art, 114 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.

Paul and Arthur Newman grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Their mother, Theresa Fetsko Newman, died in Hemet in August 1982 (Find a Grave memorial #54622709), consistent with the letter's account. By the letter's dates, this painting hung in the Newman family home during Paul Newman's boyhood.

DETAILS
• Oil on canvas
• Image: 49 x 60 in.
• Frame: Original to the painting. Gilt and intact.
• Condition: Good overall — some cracking, no paint losses, no retouching, normal grime, normal frame wear.

The artist has not been identified beyond the signature. Sold as signed and on the strength of the documents pictured, all of which are included. No further attribution is claimed.

Large: local pickup in Irvine, CA preferred. Professional crating and freight available. See less