(American/South Carolina, 1883-1979)

Charleston Rooftop View, pastel on textured French pastel artist's board, signed lower right "E O Verner", 21-1/4 x 25-1/2 in.; modern gilt wood frame, 29-1/4 x 33-3/4 in.

Provenance: Given by the artist to consignor's grandfather and then by descent in the family of the consignor; Private Charleston Collection

Note on the history of this recent discovery:

As the owner of the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner painting I’d like to give a little history as to how I acquired this beautiful and unique piece. My grandfather, Harry John O’Neill, was Beth (Elizabeth O'Neill) Verner’s older brother. They were extremely close and he promoted her career. He was always supportive of her. My mother, Terence O’Neill, was Harry’s oldest daughter. We all lived in downtown Charleston within walking distance of each other and had a lovely friendship with Aunt Beth. She would often be on the sidewalk in front of her studio chatting to neighbors and tourists alike. My mother would take us to visit and watch her paint and she loved the company of family. She was loaded with personality and so sweet to us. We were oblivious to her talent at that time but as children,  we just loved watching her work. 

This painting which I’ve inherited was gifted to my mother by Aunt Beth, along with another of marsh & oak trees,  probably around the early 1950’s. We grew up seeing it at our house and when my mother died, 22 years ago, my brother inherited it. He passed away last September and he thoughtfully left the painting to me. It has never been shown or even viewed by the public so it’s sort of a “discovery”. It evokes a lot of memories of growing up in Charleston and having the wonderful experiences we had as children. We had no idea how privileged we were, way back in the 1940’s & 50’s to live in this city and wander the streets unencumbered by crowds of tourists and we really had no idea how privileged we were to have Elizabeth O’Neill Verner as our lovely Aunt Beth!