Lot Essay
Recognized as the leader of the California Decorative Style, Arthur F. Mathews rekindled the artistic spirit in San Francisco following the great earthquake and fire of 1906. Influenced by the quiet tones and colors of the region, Mathew's subdued palette powerfully conveys the idyllic majesty of nature. In addition to his understanding of color, Mathews' paintings incorporate strong architectural elements which are exhibited most commonly by his frames. In 1906, Mathews opened the Furniture Shop which manufactured furniture, decorative objects and picture frames. The frames he designed, as with Landscape-Bay Area, were distinctly architectural in concept and as such "provided the transitional device that related the painting to its surroundings" (Mathews - Masterpieces of the California Decorative Style, Harvey L. Jones, Oakland Museum, 1985, pg. 33).