How much is a Selden Gile painting worth?

It depends on the painting. Gile's work ranges from small boards painted in an afternoon to larger canvases, and the high-keyed oils of the 1920s are generally the most sought after. The gallery can give an informed view once it has seen photographs and the dimensions.

Can Steven Stern Fine Arts appraise my Gile?

The gallery offers confidential evaluations and lists fine art appraisals among its services. Let us know whether you need a valuation to sell, or a formal appraisal for insurance, estate or donation purposes.

My painting is small and on board. Is it still of interest?

Yes. Most of Gile's paintings until about 1927 are small, and both works the gallery has sold are oils on board of 15 by 18 inches.

Is it a painting or a print?

Gile's images have been reproduced. Photograph the surface at an angle and look closely; we can help you tell the difference.

Valuation guide

Selden Gile painting value: what matters

Gile painted for more than forty years, mostly on weekends until 1927, so values for his work vary widely. These are the questions a specialist asks when looking at a Gile. We don't publish price lists, because a figure without the painting in front of us would be a guess.

Subject

Gile is best known for the hills, waterfronts and working landscapes of Oakland and of Marin County, painted in strong, unmixed color. The gallery's past sales are both Marin subjects of 1927: Spring in the Hills, Marin and Tiburon Bay.

Medium and scale

Most of his paintings until about 1927 are small oils on board or canvas, finished in one sitting. Later he turned increasingly to watercolor. Measure the image area, and note the support.

Date and place

The high-keyed oils of the 1920s, first from the Oakland years and then from Tiburon after 1927, are the core of his reputation. A date on the painting helps place it.

Condition

Look for flaking, cracks in thick paint, old repairs, and, for works on paper, fading or staining. Leave cleaning and repair to a conservator, and only after you have had advice.

Labels and provenance

Labels from dealers or exhibitions, inscriptions on the back, and family records tracing a painting back to the artist or his circle can all add interest. Keep the painting's paperwork together and photograph everything on the back.

Authenticity

Gile signed in several ways, often "S. C. Gile" with a date. Signature, technique, materials and documented history all play a part in judging a work. A dealer who regularly handles California paintings can tell you quickly whether one deserves closer study.

Appraisal and next steps

Steven Stern Fine Arts evaluates each painting individually on authorship, period, subject, condition, provenance, exhibition history, literature and importance. To begin, send photos through the seller inquiry or call (310) 570-5679. You can also compare with Gile works the gallery has sold.

Questions owners ask

How much is a Selden Gile painting worth?: It depends on the painting. Gile's work ranges from small boards painted in an afternoon to larger canvases, and the high-keyed oils of the 1920s are generally the most sought after. The gallery can give an informed view once it has seen photographs and the dimensions.
Can Steven Stern Fine Arts appraise my Gile?: The gallery offers confidential evaluations and lists fine art appraisals among its services. Let us know whether you need a valuation to sell, or a formal appraisal for insurance, estate or donation purposes.
My painting is small and on board. Is it still of interest?: Yes. Most of Gile's paintings until about 1927 are small, and both works the gallery has sold are oils on board of 15 by 18 inches.
Is it a painting or a print?: Gile's images have been reproduced. Photograph the surface at an angle and look closely; we can help you tell the difference.