A painterly, dockside tableau by American artist Frederick John Mulhaupt (1871-1938), Gloucester Gill Netters, is to auction alongside a raft of important Cape Ann School paintings, all offered from the collection of John F Gale.

The subdued, traditional scene by Mulhaupt carries a presale estimate of $50,000-80,000 ahead of the Annual Winter Antique, Asian and Fine Art Auction, which is scheduled to take place in Massachusetts between January 30 and February 1.

Jim Julia, company president of the auction house presiding over the sale, commented: "The Gale collection is without question the finest and largest offering of Cape Ann School paintings to come to auction in many years.

Cape Ann in Massachusetts is home to one of America's oldest artist colonies -  Gloucester Gill Netters captures something of its atmosphere

"Gale was a very discerning buyer; he was very careful about what he bought and put a lot of effort and thought into the pieces he added to his collection. Any collection that includes a Frederick Mulhaupt is fortunate, and Mr Gale's collection includes five. "  

Other stand out lots from the Gale collection include West River Valley CT by Aldro Thompson Hibbard, which presents a slumberous panorama of a quiet American riverside town in winter and carries a $30,000-40,000 valuation.

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