Art by “C. v. Bibra” and “M. v. Bibra”
The two painters seem to be the same person by signature and style. They are usually of flowers. Many seem to have been reproduced in Connecticut and some incorporated into items in W. Virginia, Germany, and Italy and are regularly available on eBay, mostly in America. Originals sometimes show up in America and Europe (England, Germany).
The painter is definitely a member of the family, but which member is unknown. A prime suspect is Maria-Luise Caroline Leonie (Malou) von Bibra (later Bauer) 22.8.1885. + 1960, my great aunt. Her father supported himself as a painter at the turn of the century. Raised in both Germany and the United States, she herself attended art school. It may be another relative in Germany or elsewhere, however. The vase below and the American connection suggest someone close to the painter Wolf von Bibra. Another possibility is Wolf’s mother, Mariane Henriette Luise Caroline von Bibra (1835-1915) who went by Caroline. She also painted and was very interested in music.
Original painting by C. von Bibra in Germany. Unknown who subject is.
I speculate that it may be the composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. I consulted the expert on Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Jeffrey Green. He is skeptical because of the style of the mustache and the hair. This photo was taken about the same time as the painting. Jeffrey Green also consulted Dr. Rainer Lotz, whom Jeffrey Green describes as an expert on black person in Europe at this time. Mr. Green reports Dr. Lotz has not been able to identify the subject of the painting.
A vase painted by C. v. Bibra
Apparently same vase at Brennhausen. The match would be clearer except for the different angle of the photo.
C. v. Bibra
Made in Germany J.B.B. 495
C. v. Bibra
Made in Germany J.B.B. 496
Print attached to wooden decorative wooden plaques in Italy. by “C. v. Bibra.”
Tuck Zag-Zaw Jigsaw Puzzle 650 pieces Pink Roses
Studio Pottery An old Raphael Tuck wooden Zag-Zaw jigsaw puzzle. It is 21 inches x 15 inches.
Studio Pottery An old Raphael Tuck wooden Zag-Zaw jigsaw puzzle. It is 21 inches x 15 inches.
Studio Pottery An old Raphael Tuck wooden Zag-Zaw jigsaw puzzle. It is 21 inches x 15 inches.
Print attached to wooden decorative wooden plaques in Italy by “M. v. Bibra”.
C. v. Bibra and M. v. Bibra Prints and Paintings Value
What I write here relates particularly to prints already on this web site. If you have a print or painting not on this web site, I would greatly appreciate an email (bibra@compuserve.com) hopefully with an attached photo. If you have a picture that is not on the web site, there is a reasonable chance that it is an original, not a reproduction.
Reproductions are typically not highly valued with at least one exception. Unframed prints go from $5-10 for very small prints and $20-25 for larger. Framed prints go for $25-40. The exception would be for puzzles of the prints which I have seen only one, which sold for hundreds of British Pounds.
Originals, as you expect, sell for much higher prices. $120-600 is a typical range. A vase with flowers would normally be on the lower end of that range. I have several ideas to help you determine whether it is an original.
1. If on this web site, then your copy is very likely a copy. This obviously is not definitive as there had to be an original somewhere for every reproduction.
2. If it is flat and not a watercolor, then it is a reproduction.
3. If it is textured, it could be either as many of the prints were given texture to show brush strokes.
4. If it is on canvas, it is likely original.
5. If it is on cardboard, it is a reproduction unless the cardboard is just a backing.