James Bisset Crockart (Scottish/Canadian, 1885-1974)
‘Upper Raquette River’
casein on board
(Actual): 8” High x 10” Wide
(Framed): 12 ⅛” High x 10 ⅛” Wide
Description: A fine original James Bisset Crockart (1885-1974), casein on board titled ‘Upper Raquette River,’ circa July 1, 1961. Depicted is a view up the Upper Raquette River, Adirondacks, St. Lawrence County, New York; the rocky section of the shallow river is flanked by rolling green embankments, a view of the forested range can be seen in the distance with clear blue skies overhead.
Notes: Likely painted en plein air, Crockart thoroughly exhibits an understanding of composition and light with considerable technical curiosity and acumen.
Markings: signed lower right, “James Crockart”; titled, dated and signed in pencil verso, “Casein Sketch” / “Upper Raquette River” / “July 1 1961” / “James Crockart”; inscribed in pencil lower left verso, “FROM” / “DAVID SHANNON” / “MONTREAL – QUE”
(Actual): 8” High x 10” Wide
(Framed): 12 ⅛” High x 10 ⅛” Wide
Condition: Excellent – Ready for Display.
For Accuracy: The frame appears to be original and shows light signs of wear to the extremities, as expected.
Artist Biography: James Bisset Crockart (Scotland / Canada, 1885-1974). Crockart studied at the Glasgow School of Art and worked as an architect under Charles R. Ashbee. After emigrating to Canada he worked as an assistant to Saxe & Archibald, Montreal, then partnered with Robert M Thompson (Thompson & Crockart) in Saskatoon. After WWI Crockart worked as a commercial artist and pursued an independent studio career. A member of the Beaver Hall Group Crockart is known for plein air landscapes. (Source: Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada 1800-1950)
