M. Erville

M. Erville was an American watercolor artist circa 1890 (suggested by an antiques dealer in Greeley Colorado) to 1904 (this date found on a note on the rear of a painting). After viewing a number of the watercolors, it appears that the artist centered on the subject of pastoral landscapes. Cottages, streams, haystacks, corn shocks, pathways, masonry arched bridges and trees in seasonal coloring are the subject matter. Erville had a wonderful grasp of muted color usage and wet-into-wet technique.

The ornate frames for the paintings appear to be from this time period as well. The glass used to protect the paintings is old enough to include pinches, waves, air pocket inclusions and, examining the edge, appears crudely hand cut. Locations where these paintings are located in 2007 is of interest, as follows: Hershey, Pennsylvania; Springfield, Missouri; Greeley, Colorado; Charleston, West Virginia; Laurel, Maryland; Wolfforth, Texas; Cedar Rapids, Iowa and one in North Carolina. On the back of one painting is a note, “This little painting was given to my little darling by his Aunt Kate Potterfield, Christmas 1904.” It is now known that these paintings were sold through the R.M. Manufacturing Company from several labels on the paper backing.

Some study notes by an individual are available online by following the link. 1 Currently there are thirteen paintings listed at this site. The quality of work by M. Erville should at least qualify the artist for the smallest mention on the world stage. An uncommon name in America, the name may be a variant of the French surname D'Erville.