J. Bond Francisco

Ponderosa, Sugar and White Pine (Tree Study), c. 1915

• Oil on canvas
• 20" x 16", artwork
• 25.5" x 21.5" x 1.5", framed
• Historic

$7,000

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; By descent to a private collector, Encino, California; Acquired in 1999 by a private collector (Palo Alto, San Carlos, and Oceanside, California); From John Moran Auctioneers; With label of authenticity signed by A. Bond McGaffey, grandson of the artist.

Description
This vibrant plein air oil painting by California artist John Bond Francisco captures a quiet moment within a stand of towering pine trees—presumably painted in the San Bernardino Mountains, where Francisco frequently worked. His direct brushwork and warm palette reflect the influence of early California Impressionism and his deep reverence for the natural world. Francisco’s practice often involved immersive outdoor studies such as this one, in which he explored the interplay of light and shadow across richly textured bark and forest floor. The composition brings together three of California’s most iconic conifers: Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, and White Pine—each rendered with expressive character and botanical accuracy. Adding to the painting’s historical importance is an authenticity label affixed to the verso, signed by the artist’s grandson, A. Bond McGaffey, affirming the work as a genuine painting by John Bond Francisco.

Historical Significance
John Bond Francisco (1863–1931) was a pivotal figure in the early Southern California art scene, known for his masterful plein air landscapes and his dedication to capturing the state’s diverse natural beauty. As an accomplished violinist, he served as the first concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra upon its founding in 1919. In the art world, Francisco was a respected teacher and mentor, notably guiding Guy Rose (1867–1925)—one of California’s most celebrated Impressionists—during Rose’s early development. Francisco painted extensively in the San Gabriel Mountains near his Pasadena home as well as the San Bernardino Mountains, often depicting their towering conifers, rugged terrain, and ever-changing light. His work blends the painterly brushwork of California Impressionism with a naturalist’s eye for botanical accuracy, making his landscapes both artistically expressive and historically valuable records of California’s wilderness in the early 20th century.

Labels on Verso
American Legacy Fine Arts
Certification signed by the artist’s grandson, A. Bond McGaffey
Title label as “Ponderosa, Sugar & White Pines”
Additional title label as “Tree Study” & note “Painted in the San Bernardino Mountains”
Conservation label “Cleaned and Treated using as Acrylic Ester Resin Varnish”
John Moran Auctioneers label “Lot #208”

Frame
Presented in a substantial, period giltwood frame with warm bronze-gold finish and subtle foliate corner accents with ebonized liner. The frame complements the earth tones of the painting while providing period authenticity and visual depth.

Condition
Very good, commensurate with age. This indicates that the painting has been well cared for, with no significant issues noted beyond typical minor wear expected from a work of its period. A conservator’s label on the back references that the painting was cleaned and varnished, in or prior to 1999 when the painting was acquired.

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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