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18PR-27 LG OIL PAINTING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD
18PR-27 LG OIL PAINTING
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Original oil painting on canvas entitled “Return from the Crusade” signed lower right “A. Regli”. Measures approximately 53 ½” x 41 ½”. Alver Regli the artist was an Italian born artist with an intriguing story. As a young man he fled Verona, Italy after the murder of a fair lady of prominence under suspicious circumstances. A newspaper article contends this lady “Stella” was an obsession of Regli who painted a nude oil of her that was displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. The painting was signed “Nani” but Regli claimed he was the artist. Stella sold for $100,000 to John T. Molligan an early collector at the turn of the century. Regli painted 3 copies from memory to prove the artwork was his. For practical reasons he declined to prove he was the artist although it would have made him world famous as this painting drew huge crowds in 1893. He was quoted as saying “I know it in my heart, it is enough.” Regli lived in Los Angeles for many years having a studio near second and Broadway in L.A. in the 1930s and ran an art school. He restored master works and in a 1930 L.A. Times article it reveals he was a student of Prof. Nani. Apparently Nani took credit for his work “Stella” which it is supposed Regli had Nani sell as his agent due to his being a fugitive from Italy. The photos and articles of happy Koomer, night club owner, and well known L.A. collector with this painting included. Also a copy of advertisement selling this painting along with Koomer’s collection Feb 13, 1973 by E.C. Jenkins. This painting fetched $5,000 43 years ago to a prominent Huntington Beach, CA collector and obtained from his estate. In conclusion we feel this to be a master work by a great artist who chose to “hide out” rather than gain recognition from painting “Stella”. The condition is near excellent in period (1930s) frame. Light damage to top of frame. Just light cleaning necessary. Note: This painting was sold to a Northwest coast dealer and was never shipped. The copies of articles and information are now missing. Est.: $2500-$5000