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Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971)
“Aviary #11”
Date unknown
Oil on board
12” H x 16” W (image size)
14.5” H x 18.5” W (frame size)
Signed lower right: Jessie Arms Botke
Estimated value: $2,500 - $3,500
Artist Biography
From her ranch and studio in Santa Paula, California, artist Jessie Arms Botke became (and remains) one of the most treasured decorative painters of the 20th century. Her paintings of birds and flowers are particularly prized for their richness of color and detail, and her frequent use of dazzling gold leaf.
Jessie Arms was born in Chicago in 1883. Following a course of study at the Art Institute of Chicago and several summers with renowned artists and teachers John C. Johansen and Charles Woodbury, Jessie found work as an interior decorator, painting wall friezes in private homes. By 1911, Botke had landed in New York where she was employed by interior design firm Herter Looms as a wall decorator, tapestry "cartoonist," and muralist. It was around this time that Jessie first fell in love with painting birds.
Jessie married artist Cornelis Botke in 1915. In 1919, the Botkes moved to Carmel, California, with its thriving art colony. They settled in Santa Paula in 1929 and remained there, painting and printmaking, for the rest of their lives. The artist couple also worked on a number of mural commissions together throughout their careers. Botke's oil and watercolor paintings and block prints continue to be eagerly collected by private collectors and museums worldwide, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Santa Paula Art Museum.
Auction Information
The 14th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, August 17, 2024
The silent auction starts at 3:00 PM.
The live auction starts at 4:00 PM.
Auction admission: $15.00 SPAM members, $20.00 Non-members
All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization #2478728.
All major credit cards, check, and cash are accepted.
Sales tax will be applied to all hammer prices. There is no buyer’s premium.