An oil on canvas California landscape by Norton Bush (American, 1834–1894), signed and dated lower right, N. Bush / 1887. Towering conifers frame a quiet forest creek as morning light filters through the mist, exemplifying Bush’s sensitive treatment of the Sierra Nevada landscape.

Born in Rochester, New York, Bush studied under Hudson River School painter Jasper Cropsey before settling in San Francisco in 1853. He became one of California’s earliest professional landscape painters and served as Director of the San Francisco Art Association from 1878 to 1880. During the nineteenth century, painters such as Bush documented the largely untouched landscapes of the expanding American West before photography became widely available, creating lasting records of California’s natural scenery.

The painting retains its impressive original period giltwood frame. Of particular significance, the frame’s gesso foundation is constructed of California redwood, a timber indigenous to the narrow coastal redwood belt extending from southwestern Oregon into central California. Its use strongly suggests the frame was produced in California and has likely accompanied the painting since its creation.

This painting realized $11,950 (including buyer’s premium) at Heritage Auctions on January 24, 2009.

Dimensions Canvas: 36 x 20 in. Frame: 48.5 x 32.5 in. Weight: 34 lbs.

Pickup & Shipping: This lot is available for free pickup in Sacramento. For crating and freight delivery, we recommend Capital Crating. For blanket-wrapped delivery within California, contact Delbert McCrea at (831) 566-6088. For cross-country shipping, CCC Transport can be reached at (929) 450-5027.

Appears to be in cleaned original condition. Examination under ultraviolet light revealed no detectable inpainting, restoration, or conservation. Retains its original period giltwood frame, which exhibits repairs, scattered losses, and expected age-related wear. Overall, the painting and frame present well.