Oil on board, unsigned, inscribed on the verso "Mrs. Ashe Reading / Painted by My Father / Edmund M. Ashe / Edd Ashe," presented in a later period appropriate gilt composition frame.

SS 12.5 x 10.25 in.; DOA 17.25 x 15 in.

From the Collection of Esther B. Ferguson, Secessionville Manor, Charleston, SC

Berry-Hill Galleries, Inc., New York, NY

Born in New York, Ashe studied at the Metropolitan Art School and the Art Students League. He began his artistic career as an illustrator for books and magazines, including Collier's, Harper's Magazine, and Scribner's Magazine. Ashe also served as a White House artist correspondent for several publications during the administrations of President William McKinley and President Theodore Roosevelt.

The works presented here are examples of Ashe's work from this earlier period when he was working in a more impressionist style. They illustrate the influence of William Merritt Chase, at whose New York School Ashe taught. He met Robert Henri during this time and eventually adopted a darker social realist tone in his work. He continued teaching art throughout his lifetime, retiring to Charleston, SC in 1939.

Some flaking to gilding; minor spot touch-up visible under UV light.

$1,000 - 3,000