Ernest S. Kramer Fine Arts & Prints, Inc. was established In 1982 as a direct outgrowth of forty-plus years of collecting Gloucester/Rockport (Cape Ann) paintings and 19th and early 20th century American and European fine prints.Previously, Ernest was the New England District Manager for the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. for seventeen years andCarolyn was a former elementary school teacher in upstate New York.
Their interest in art was sparked by the rich artistic heritage of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Carolyn’s hometown.At the turn of the century into the 1930’s and 40’s, Gloucester and Rockport were a mecca for important world-class artists, such as Fitz Hugh Lane, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam, Frank Duveneck, Emile Gruppe and Aldro Hibbard.
In 1968 they started collecting etchings by Frank W. Benson, the Dean of American Sporting Art, which became the catalyst for the business. They now have many rare Benson pieces from their personal collection for sale.In addition to selling sporting art, they maintain an extensive select inventory of American and European fine prints and drawings of the 19th and early 20th century with an emphasis on the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.The inventory includes works by more than 90 artists. The Kramers specialize in the regionalists:Thomas Hart Benton, John deMartelly, John Steuart Curry and Grant Wood, as well as American sporting art:Frank W. Benson and A. Lassell Ripley.They have important prints by John Taylor Arms, Paul Cadmus, Daniel Garber, Childe Hassam, Rockwell Kent, Martin Lewis, Louis Lozowick, John Marin, Reginald Marsh, Robert Riggs, John Sloan, James A. McNeill Whistler, etc.
While they handle a small selection of European prints which includes Buhot, Tissot and Millet, their strong suit is the Swedish master, Anders Zorn.They have 70 Zorn images in stock, the largest repository in North America.In addition, theyhave a large inventory of Stow Wengenroth, who Andrew Wyeth considered to be the finest black and white artist of the 20th century. All of their works are in very good to excellent condition, archivally matted, and are unconditionally guaranteed. Ernest and Carolyn Kramer are private dealers located in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, which is twelve miles west of Boston.They see clients by appointment only.For those coming to Boston via Logan Airport, they are pleased to arrange for complimentary transportation.
While engaged in buying, selling, appraising and consulting, they also maintain want lists for collectors.In addition, they gladly assist new collectors who require some time, knowledge and direction.They are always interested in purchasing oil paintings, watercolors or prints and drawings, either singly or in collections.The Kramers are pleased that 2011 is their 29th year in business.
