Rice was born in Conchohocken, near Philadelphia but later moved to Europe and set up a studio in Paris. Although associated with better-known Scottish colourists John Duncan Fergusson and Samuel John Peploe, picture specialist at the Folkestone saleroom Jonathan Riley said Rice “still does not receive the critical acclaim she deserves”.
Flowers, a 20 x 16ins (51 x 42cm) oil on canvas is believed to date from the 1920s. It featured in an exhibition of the artist’s work at the Fosse Gallery, Stow on the Wold in 1986 which was co-organised by Rice’s son David Drey.
Rice often choose not to sign her paintings but all the pictures in the exhibition were given an ‘AER’ stamp. In addition to the stamp, the example at Grand Auctions had also been signed in ink by Drey himself.
The estimate for the lot at Folkestone is £8000 to £12,000.
A walnut and oak bureau on offer with a £2000-£4000 estimate at Grand Auctions on December 12.
Also on offer at the December 12 sale is a walnut and oak bureau which has been dated to the late 17th Century. With six legs united by a stretcher, the auctioneers said it is in good condition and comes with an old label on the underside inscribed in pen ‘Earl of Cavan’.
Measuring 3ft 6in high and 2ft 9in wide (1.07m x 84cm), it is estimated at £2000-£4000.
