Hi To All
I recently inherited this painting but I am having one heck of a time trying to find any of his works to compare signatures. It is signed Sam J Brown Dec 3 69. I found some info on him such as Samuel J Brown lived and taught art in Philadelphia PA. Well established African American painter. Retired in 1970. Died 1944. But that's it. Although this painting is not his usual style he did do some portraits in his latter years before retireing. Any help?
Thanks

I suggest you contact the Williams College Museum of Art as they have some of his works there.

However, if you look at his lithograph here:

Samuel Joseph Brown - Past Auction Results (http://www.artnet.com/Artists/LotDetailPage.aspx?lot_id=1A2E6FB10ED15B7373E8E115 B153FCBC)

His signature's an actual signature, and in your case, is in print, which makes it harder to distinguish.

You could also potentially contact this guy

http://www.askart.com/askart/artists/search/inquiry_dealerwanted.aspx?ad=8519&searchtype=ART_WANTED&artist=27386

As he wants art from Samuel Joseph Brown, and perhaps can tell you more details about the artist.

Thanks for the links. I checked the picture there but it is a wood carving not a painting so signature may be different. I understand that artists sometimes changed their signature ie: initials instead of full name.

Hi To All
I recently inherited this painting but I am having one heck of a time trying to find any of his works to compare signatures. It is signed Sam J Brown Dec 3 69. I found some info on him such as Samuel J Brown lived and taught art in Philadelphia PA. Well established African American painter. Retired in 1970. Died 1944. But thats it. Although this painting is not his usual style he did do some portraits in his latter years before retireing. Any help??
Thanks

It's true that artists of any sort will be changing their signatures or "marks" throughout the course of their careers.

Are there any other identifying marks or numbers on the painting or frame, please? Also, I'm sure that it's just a typo, but do you have an explanation as to why he retired in 1970 but, died in 1944?

Thanks!

Hi
Yes it's a typo. He died in 1994. That's what happens when I don't use my glasses! I found this painting among my moms stuff. It was rolled up in an old metal tube so there's no frame. Some of the info I got on him was from an art collector that contacted me about the painting. The only markings are his signature and date in the left corner of the portrait. See pic of signature.
Thanks
Sharon

It's true that artists of any sort will be changing their signatures or "marks" throughout the course of their careers.

Are there any other identifying marks or numbers on the painting or frame, please? Also, I'm sure that it's just a typo, but do you have an explanation as to why he retired in 1970 but, died in 1944?

Thanks!

Hi
Yes it's a typo. He died in 1994. That's what happens when I don't use my glasses! I found this painting among my moms stuff. It was rolled up in an old metal tube so there's no frame. Some of the info I got on him was from an art collector that contacted me about the painting. The only markings are his signature and date in the left corner of the portrait. See pic of signature.
Thanks