Bidspirit auction | George Leslie Hunter Still Life

George Leslie Hunter Still Life Painting - George Leslie Hunter (Scottish, 1877-1931). Oil on board painting depicting a still life of a white bowl with fruit and a brown vase of flowers. Signed along the upper left. Gallery labels affixed to the verso. Provenance: T & R Annan, Glasgow; Cyril Gerber Fine Art, 2002; From the Estate of Gary Fink. Lot Essay: George Leslie Hunter was a key figure in the Scottish Colourists, a group of four influential early 20th-century painters whose bold use of color revolutionized Scottish painting. Largely self-taught, Hunter spent his formative years in California, where he worked as an illustrator and moved in artistic and literary circles that included Jack London, Arnold Genthe, and members of the San Francisco Bohemian Club. He also co-founded the California Society of Arts alongside artists like Maynard Dixon and Xavier Martinez. Hunter's career in fine art gained momentum after a formative trip to Paris in 1904 and a devastating setback in 1906 when the San Francisco earthquake destroyed much of his early work. Returning to Scotland, he gradually developed a vibrant style influenced by Cezanne, Matisse, and the French avant-garde. His use of expressive color and light earned critical praise, particularly in still lives and landscapes. Notable patrons such as Alexander Reid, William Burrell, and William McInnes helped promote his work, while friendships with fellow Colourists - Samuel Peploe, F.C.B. Cadell, and J.D. Fergusson - deepened his artistic development. Hunter exhibited successfully in Glasgow, London, and New York, with a standout show at the Ferargil Galleries in 1929. Though he suffered from health issues late in life, he continued painting until his death in 1931. His legacy endured through posthumous exhibitions and rising market demand, with his paintings now among the most prized in Scottish art history. Gary C. Fink was a collector with both a lighthearted sense of humor and a serious commitment to art. Through the Museum Louvre It or Leave It, he offered Minnesotans an offbeat, thought-provoking experience; through MIA gifts, he broadened institutional collections; and through his scholarship, he continues to enable the next generation of artists. A Renaissance soul in the heart of Minnesota’s art community, Gary C. Fink was more than an astute collector - he was a spirited patron whose unconventional vision left an indelible mark on the creative landscape. Sight: height: 20 in x width: 16 in. Framed; height: 31 in x width: 27 in x depth: 2 3/4 in. Condition: Please email us at condition@revereauctions.com for a condition report or additional photos.