Angel De Service Espoy

Cows in Summer Landscape (California Coastal Ranch, Carmel Valley), c. 1914

• Oil on panel
• 12" x 15.25", artwork
• 18.25" x 21.625" x 1.375", framed
• Historic

$5,000

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts; By descent to the Katherine A. Norris Legacy Collection, Huntington Beach, California; Acquired by Katherine A. Norris, Newport Beach, California; From John Moran Auction, Altadena, California, February 15, 2005, Lot #19.

Description
In this idyllic composition, Angel De Service Espoy captures the timeless rhythms of California ranch life along the Central Coast. Likely set in Carmel Valley or the rolling hills of Monterey County, the painting depicts a small herd of cattle grazing peacefully beneath the dappled shade of eucalyptus trees, with the Pacific Ocean glimmering softly in the distance. Espoy’s confident brushwork and sun-washed palette evoke the gentle warmth of a summer afternoon, while his thoughtful arrangement of animals, foliage, and rolling hills conveys a deep appreciation for the natural harmony of rural California. The sprinkling of wildflowers in the foreground and the luminous coastal haze lend a sense of immediacy and atmospheric depth, suggesting a plein air vantage point familiar to artists painting above Carmel or Pacific Grove during the early 20th century. Espoy’s style blends Realism and Impressionism, drawing upon the influences of his training under Joaquín Sorolla (1863–1923) and the French Barbizon School, resulting in works that balance truthful representation with a painterly, light-filled immediacy.

Historical Significance
Born in Spain, Angel De Service Espoy received his early artistic training in Barcelona, specializing in maritime painting before immigrating to the United States. Settling in California, he became a recognized figure in the state’s Impressionist movement, merging European academic refinement with the spontaneity and light-filled aesthetics of plein air painting. His works often celebrate the pastoral beauty of California’s ranching landscapes, particularly in Monterey and Carmel, where the interplay of ocean, sky, and cultivated land offered endless inspiration. California Ranch Scene embodies Espoy’s contribution to California’s visual heritage—preserving not just its scenic beauty but also its agricultural legacy at a time when ranching was central to the region’s identity.

Framing
Custom handcrafted by Mayén & Olson in 2009, the frame is finished in 22K gold leaf and designed in a classic plein air style. Its softly burnished surface and stepped profile enhance the painting’s warm, sunlit palette while providing a historically appropriate presentation for a work of California Impressionism.

Condition
Excellent condition. The paint surface is stable with no visible craquelure or losses. Colors remain vibrant, indicating minimal exposure to light. Frame is likewise in excellent condition, with only the most minor signs of handling

Exhibited
Scenic Route: A Half Century of California Discovery, 1900-1950, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, August 15 - October 11, 2025

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