I have a painting that was purchased about 50 years ago in the United States by my mother-in-law, who is now deceased. It's a somewhat foreboding landscape of a white house surrounded by wild dark green trees. On the back is a label that reads "House at Oiseme by Soutine". Unfortunately the part of the label that gives the name of a gallery is torn, so all I can read is "-----ch Fine Art Inc.".

This is definitely a painting and not a print. I'm not sure if the reason it's dark is because it's dirty or if that was the artist's intention. Obviously I'm not going to try to clean it myself!

The only artist named Soutine I have been able to find online is Chaim Soutine, and I had not heard of him previously. Is this painting likely to be an original or a reproduction? If it's an original, can anyone provide a ballpark estimate of the painting's value?

And how can I find a reputable appraiser in my area? What should I expect to pay for an appraisal?

Thanks!

To add to my question, I'm going to try to add a snapshot of the painting in question. It's actually much darker than it appears in the photo.

OK, I tried to attach a photo, but it seems to be too large. Can anyone help me, since I am computer challenged?

hi

I googled "soutine house" and came up with what is likely the original of the painting you describe. If I read correctly, the painting was exhibited by the museum in 1998. Here is the link:

Google Image Result for http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/site/pages/content/exhibitions/special/soutine/images/soutine_house_sm.GIF (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/site/pages/content/exhibitions/special/soutine/images/soutine_house_sm.GIF&imgrefurl=http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/SoutineGallery&usg=__51QTpA7nwDMPRRUAgR2ifnYTgHc=&h=202&w=202&sz=28&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=RfdE0N7796IpfM:&tbnh=105&tbnw=105&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsoutine%2Bhouse%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4 GGLJ_en%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1)

Chaim Soutine was a very well known avant-garde expressionist. His paintings have sold for millions. Copies for hundreds. The link above says the painting is in the hands of a private collector. If you think that's you, then you could contact a reputable appraiser. While the museum does not do appraisals, their FAQ gives advice how to find one.

On the other hand you could post images of the painting , front, back, and closeup of the signature for more information on this site.

Enjoy the painting you have. Searching for authenticity is educationally rewarding in itself. It is likely a copy.

This is indeed the painting I have! Thank you for "finding" it for me. I like the painting very much, whether it is an original. I will check out the Jewish Museum website and attempt to find an appraiser. Interesting that even copies sell for hundreds. The painting I have is not signed - I wonder if he was one of those who did not sign his work, or if that is proof that it is a copy. At any rate, it was hanging in my mother-in-law's home in 1998, so if it was indeed part of a show in that year, I clearly have a copy! She was always interested in "modern" art, I think to the despair of her family, who liked more traditional, "pretty" art. I wonder if she knew about Soutine, especially his Jewishness, which would have interested her as a Jew.

I am rather chagrined that I had never heard of Soutine, as I have an interest in 20th century art. I wonder why he was not as well known as others from the time, like Modigliani and Picasso. Perhaps because he died at a relatively young age during WWII, and didn't have the exposure that many others did after the war?

Thank you very much for your help!