Sikorski’s Attic: Print of oil painting in poor condition

Q: Here are some photos of a framed piece I have.  Any info would be appreciated. — M.P., internet

A: I wish you had included a few more photographs of your picture depicting two young female dancers sitting on the floor. I can see the signature in the lower right hand corner, M. Soyer 54. Moses Soyer was born in Russia in 1899. He moved with his family to New York in 1912 and lived until 1974. His specialty was oil on canvas paintings of figure dancers and nudes. His paintings are sought after by collectors selling from the mid-hundreds to and often into the five-figure range. The photographs you sent are quite clear; I do not think it is an oil painting. It appears to be a print, perhaps a lithograph. The condition is poor, I can see several tears. I think if you got $100 for the picture it would be a lucky day.

Q: Thank you for your article in the newspaper. I have two copies of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind.” One is the original edition, October 1936, by the MacMillan Company.The other book is the Motion Picture Edition, published in 1940, also by the MacMilan Company. I also have an extra cover from the first edition in 1936. In addition, I have a full sheet of USA one-cent stamps of Margaret Mitchell.

I would be pleased if you could give me the potential market value of these items. — N.F., Ocala

A: I suggest you contact Swann Auction Galleries in New York about your “Gone with the Wind” books and other items. The website is www.swanngalleries.com. Let us know what you discover.

Q: I have a print numbered 7 out of 1345. It is in a gilded frame 31 inches by 35. It has been professionally framed and is very old. The print is "Off to School."  Could you give me a date of the print possibly and the value? The artist is Charles Burton Barber. — J.K., internet

A: I wish you had included a photograph of your print titled “Off to School.” It depicts an adorable little girl walking with a St. Bernard dog holding an umbrella in his mouth. The artist Charles Burton Barber, 1845–1894, was an English artist. His specialty was Realism, depictions of children and pets. During his career he was regarded as one of England’s finest painters of animals and children. He was commissioned to do a portrait of Queen Victoria and her grandchildren. The picture you have is a commercial grade print and of no specific interest. It was produced long after the artist’s death well into the 20th century.

— John Sikorski with over 35 years of experience is an Ocala based antiques advisor, consultant, and broker.  Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.