Ben Carre (1883-1978)

American School

CURIOSITY, circa 1945-50

(#6760)

29 x 39½ inches / 36 x 46½ framed

Oil on canvas mounted on board

Unsigned, but professionally estate stamped on the verso: “BEN CARRE”

Provenance:          The Artist, Ben Carre, Los Angeles, California

                    Anne Carre, Wife of the Artist, Los Angeles, California

                    Adamson-Duvannes Galleries, Los Angeles, California

     Ben Carre had a special interest in recording things around his home and gardens.  To the right of his front door was this pool with the goldfish.  We believe it to be the only picture he ever painted showing split level – above and below the water.

The home of Ben and Anne Carre, located at 10356 Northvale Road, Los Angeles, was a very special house with unique elements of design.  It was designed by the architect, Rudolph Michael Schindler (1887-1953).  The blueprints for the house were done in 1941, but we do not know when the house was completed.