Sophie Marston Brannan (American, 1877-1960). Coit Tower, San Francisco, California, circa 1942. Oil on canvas. 46 x 46 ...

Description

Sophie Marston Brannan (American, 1877-1960)
Coit Tower, San Francisco, California, circa 1942
Oil on canvas
46 x 46 inches (116.8 x 116.8 cm)
Signed lower left: S.M. Brannan

PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Fresno, California.

Sophie Brannan, born in Mountain View, California in 1877, grew up in San Francisco and is known for her iconic depictions of the city. She began her formal training at the California School of Design at the age of seven and had her first exhibition of pencil sketches at 12. Brannan studied in Paris from 1898-1899, and, upon her return, resumed work at the School of Design under Arthur F. Mathews. Most of her early work was lost in the San Francisco fire and earthquake of 1906. In 1910, Brannan moved to New York and achieved national recognition. At the outbreak of WWII, she returned to San Francisco, where she remained until her death on March 16, 1960. No longer financially secure, she worked as an artist at the Alameda Air Base during World War II and for many years after. Brannan also had a keen interest in historic structures, particularly those of Monterey, and did such paintings as General Sherman's Headquarters, the Old Customs House, the Rodrigues House, and Adobe in Monterey. An exhibitor from 1896 until the early 1930s, Brannan had many one-person shows across the country. Her iconic views of Northern California have received tremendous attention from regional collectors, and her work continues to captivate those who adore the early female painters of California.


More information about Brannan, Sophie Marston Artist.

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