John Sykes (1859–1934) — Harford Pier and Hotel Marre, Port San Luis, 1898 | Annex Auctions
Ends August 31, 2025
John Sykes (1859–1934) — Harford Pier and Hotel Marre, Port San Luis, 1898
Oil on canvas laid down on board, signed and dated lower left “J. Sykes 1898.” Depicts the bustling Harford Pier at Port San Luis, San Luis Obispo County, with the prominent two-story Hotel Marre flying the American flag at the landward end, a long timber pier extending into the bay, and a large gable-roofed warehouse at the seaward end. Figures with dogs are seen on the sandy foreground beach, with boats drawn up on shore. By the late 19th century, Port Harford was a key shipping hub for the region, its pier served by the Pacific Coast Railway, and the hotel a noted seaside destination.
Sykes, a British-born artist who settled in Santa Barbara, is known for plein air landscapes and historically significant California coastal scenes, often painted on site with meticulous architectural detail. This view documents one of the Central Coast’s most important maritime landmarks in its late-19th-century heyday.
Dimensions: 10 x 17 1/2 in.
Provenance: Estate of Ron Lerch.
Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via Fedex ground for $45 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).
Condition:Dirty surface; paint loss; craquelure throughout; moisture damage present; laid down on board.
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Consign With UsAnnex Auctions strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Annex Auctions. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, card or wire transfer for foreign payments. This auction has a buyer's premium of 25%.
