Purchase Price Only: The price listed above covers the item only. It does not include shipping or professional crating.
Separate Shipping Invoice: This item is too large for standard delivery. After checkout, we will contact you with a professional crating and freight quote. We will bill this to you on a separate invoice.
Want a Quote First? If you prefer to know the shipping cost before purchasing, please click our Contact Us link or call us with your delivery zip code.
John Ross Key (1837–1920) Original Oil Painting 'Harvest Scene'
Painted in America c. 1890s.
With Family Provenance from 1932.
Art Approximately 9" High x 12 3/4" Long.
Frame Approximately 13 1/4" High x 17" Long.
John Ross Key (American, 1837–1920), Harvest Scene. An original oil painting on board depicting a sunlit meadow with carefully rendered shocks of harvested grain, dense trees, softly colored distant hills and a rose-tinted sky.
Expressive, textured brushwork brings vitality to the foreground and harvest bundles. Presented in an antique gilt wood frame with decorative reeded molding.
John Ross Key was an American landscape painter and grandson of Francis Scott Key, author of the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He trained in the United States and traveled and studied in Europe. Key had documented associations with Omaha, Nebraska, including the late-19th-century expositions. The landscape subject and style suggest a late-19th- to early-20th-century work; a precise execution date has not been established.
The reverse retains a period red-and-cream dealer label reading “HARRY P. WHITMORE / Art Dealer and Importer / 1517 DODGE ST. OMAHA, NEB., U.S.A.” The handwritten portion identifies the work as “Harvest Scene,” “Original Oil Painting,” and “By John Rose Key” (as written on the label; the artist is generally known as John Ross Key).
A separate old typewritten biographical sheet headed “JOHN ROSS KEY” recounts the artist's family background, training, travels, and career.
At the foot of that sheet, a handwritten note appears to record that Blanche Howland Boyer of Omaha bought the painting in November 1932 from “the artist's sister-in-law Miss Florence Dutcher.” The note provides a noteworthy early, named ownership record and a potential direct artist-family connection.
The historical paper labels and handwritten annotations remain attached to the back and are included as part of the painting's documented history.
Signature: Apparent painted signature at lower left; see photographs for interpretation.
Excellent condition. No known damage or restoration. Antique frame retains age-related wear and patina, including scattered finish wear. The original verso paper and backing have age-related discoloration, creasing, and wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
