John Bond Francisco (1863-1931) California School THE MONK, 1889 20 x 16 inches / 22 x 18 framed Charcoal drawing on artist board Signed, inscribed and dated lower right: “J. Bond Francisco / Munchen 89” Provenance: The artist Grandson of the Artist J. Bond Francisco began the serious study of both painting and music at a young age, first in Cincinnati, where he was born, and later in Europe. In 1890 he studied with Hans Fechner (1860-1931) and Paul Nauen (1859- ? ) in Munich and Berlin, and then in Paris with William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) and Gustave Courtois (1853-1923) at the Academie Julien and the Colarossi. Francisco moved to Los Angeles in 1887, and then returned from further European study to settle here permanently. He held his first Los Angeles exhibition in 1892, showing primarily figurative works, demonstrating his academic training. His talent was widely recognized and in 1899 he opened his own art academy, the Francisco Academy of Painting. He met with excellent success as an artist, but pursued careers in both art and music. He was instrumental in founding the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, serving as its first concertmaster.