DE SCOTT EVANS "S.S. DAVID" (AMERICAN, 1847-1898) TROMPE L'OEIL PAINTING OF ALMONDS, oil on canvas, classic self-framed form with faux wood-grained edges, the composition featuring a precarious pile of almonds in a wooden niche behind a pane of jagged, broken glass, a card upper right inscribed "A New Variety / Try One", signed lower right "S. S. David", retaining a period printed merchant's label for "ATKINS ART STORE / 27 UNION SQUARE / NEW YORK" to backing board verso. Circa 1890. 12" x 10".
Catalogue Note: Born in Boston, Indiana, De Scott Evans (1847-1898) studied as a young man under Albert Beaugureau in Cincinnati and, later, at the Academie Julien in Paris with William Adolphe Bougureau (1825-1905). Following his return to the United States, Evans taught at several institutions in Ohio and is known to have established a studio in Cleveland before moving permanently to New York City in order to pursue his artistic career full-time. Tragically, on a voyage to France where he was to begin work on a large commission, Evans and his young family died in the North Atlantic when their vessel collided with another. 
De Scott Evans was one of several noteworthy 19th century American Trompe L'Oeil painters, a hyper-realistic style popular in the 1890s that was intended to "deceive" or "fool" the eye, often in a playful or humorous manner. Evans was a master of the form, and often signed his trompe l'oeil paintings with various pseudonyms, most often "S. S. David". The present example, completely fresh to the market, is an outstanding example of his rare work and demonstrates the artist's technical prowess as well as something of his sense of whimsy.

Very good overall original condition with minor surface abrasions and discoloration, slightly heavier at edges. Very minor puncture upper left. Minute area of inpainting at upper edge of niche overlapping center crack in glass.