Martella Cone Lane

Early Morning on Eel River, Cal (Redwoods), c. 1925

• Oil on canvas
• 18" x 12.5", artwork
• 24.5" x 19" x 1.5", framed
• Historic

Not Available

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; By descent to a private collector, Encino, California; Acquired in June 2000 by a private collector, San Carlos, Palo Alto, and Oceanside, California; From John Moran Auctioneers at The Pasadena Center, Pasadena, California

Description
This richly detailed oil painting captures the quiet grandeur of California’s North Coast redwoods along the Eel River. A centered forest path draws the viewer inward, leading the gaze toward a distant glimmer of light. Sunlight filters through the towering trunks, illuminating the soft green undergrowth and shimmering on the calm river beyond. Martella Cone Lane’s masterful control of light and shadow heightens the sense of early morning stillness, while her refined brushwork conveys both the monumental scale of the ancient trees and the delicate tracery of their foliage.

Lane, who lived and worked in Northern California for much of her career, regarded the redwoods as enduring symbols of the state’s natural heritage. Her landscapes reflect an intimate knowledge of the region’s rivers, forests, and mountain terrain. By 1920, her name had become closely associated with California’s “big trees,” and, recognizing the urgent threat of logging, she devoted herself to their preservation. She served for years with the Save the Redwoods League, traveling widely to speak on their behalf. In 1923, in recognition of her dedication, the State Forestry Service granted her land for a studio among the redwoods.

Lane studied with noted California artists William Keith, Franz A. Bischoff, and John Gamble. These influences shaped her approach to color, design, and brushwork, blending the tonalism of her early training under Keith with the vibrant palette of California Impressionism absorbed from Bischoff and Gamble

Historical Significance
Martella Cone Lane was celebrated for his portrayals of Northern California’s redwood forests, rivers, and coastal terrain. His works are rooted in a deep appreciation for the state’s wilderness at a time when its preservation was gaining public awareness. The Eel River, meandering through Humboldt and Mendocino counties, is home to some of the world’s tallest and oldest redwoods. Lane’s depiction serves as both an artistic tribute and a visual record of this pristine environment before large-scale development and logging altered many parts of the region. His paintings from this era resonate strongly with collectors for their blend of artistic mastery and environmental heritage.

Framing
Presented in a high-quality Jerry Solomon Enterprises frame, edged in 22k gold leaf, with a warm burnished finish and finely textured inner molding. Jerry Solomon frames are known for their craftsmanship and are a preferred choice for traditional California landscapes. The frame’s elegant proportions and golden hue complement the warm sunlight and rich earth tones in the painting. Frame is in excellent condition.

Condition
Excellent. Stable surface with no cracks, flaking, or visible losses. Varnish is even and clear, without discoloration.

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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