A pair of historical paintings by William Wilke (1879-1958).

"San Francisco First Public School" and "San Francisco International Hotel".

Oil on oval wood panels. Unframed. Both signed on the front by the artist.

Numerous labels, notations, and stamps on the reverse regarding exhibition history and provenance.Included with the paintings is the original 63 page "Historical Program" for the Century of Commerce Celebration of 1935, with the cover design also by William Wilke. The program includes an article about San Franciscos First Public School.

The paintings are executed in the California impressionist style with clear influences of the WPA - New Deal style.

SIZE (each): 36" x 28"

PROVENANCE: Exhibited at the "158th Anniversary of the Founding of San Francisco - Historical Exhibition" at Larkin Hall in San Francisco, September 11-22, 1934; Exhibited at the "Century of Commerce Celebration" at the San Francisco Civic Center Auditorium, October 14-19, 1935; Estate of Dr. A.T. Leonard Jr. - President of the San Francisco Historical Society and Secretary of the Emperor Norton Memorial Society, circa 1935; Estate of Arthur J. McInerny, Monterey, CA.

NOTES / REFERENCES: William Wilke (1879 - 1958). Born in San Francisco, California in 1879. Although largely a self-taught artist, Wilke studied at the Mark Hopkins Institute under Arthur Mathews and later received a scholarship to study in Paris under Jean Paul Laurens.

Although William Wilke worked for Shreve & Co. for thirty-three years as a jewelry designer, he is remembered as an artist whose etchings, paintings, drawings, landscapes and seascapes depicted various aspects of California life. He also designed bookplates for many famous and influential people, among them Mark Twain and William Randolph Hearst.

Wilke was a member of the California Society of Miniature Painters; San Francisco Art Association; and California Society of Etchers. Wilke exhibited at Mark Hopkins Institute (April 1906); Panama Pacific Exposition 1915 (gold medal); California Statewide (Santa Cruz), 1928; Oakland Art Gallery, 1932; Golden Gate International Exposition, 1940.

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Both in excellent condition with no restoration. Light wear to the edges.