A Framed St. Augustine Oil Painting by (John) Emmett Fritz (1917 - 1995)

This painting is unique.  It is not a typical scene by Emmett Fritz...he normally painted outside on the streets he was painting.  This is different, in that it is painted with point of view of someone inside looking out at a flowing fountain situated in a sunny courtyard.  The inside is stark with some texture on the walls, a potted plant in the corner and some puddled water near the arched doorway with a single light fixture hanging from a chain.  Beyond the fountain you see stairs leading up to a balcony with old rusty iron rails.  I don't believe I've seen any other Emmett Fritz paintings like this one.

This was painted somewhere in the old section of St. Augustine, FL and was purchased in February 1973 according to information on the back.  If I locate additional information on this painting, it will be added to the description.   
   
John Emmett Fritz, was a regular fixture in Old St. Augustine from 1950 until his death in 1995.  Growing up in North FL during the 60s/70s gave me plenty of opportunities to visit Old St. Augustine.  The quaint old narrow streets were filled with tourists, street performers and artists.  Even though Mr. Fritz passed away decades ago, he remains a darling of that era and one can easily look up details of his life online on various websites. 

Unfortunately, that era has passed.  The street artists and performers are no longer allowed the freedom to perform and interact on the street in the way typical of the 60s & 70s.  Looking back, that was a huge part of the charm of any visit. 

The carved wood frame is painted in blue and gold with a linen covered mat and thinner gold colored trim edge inside.  It was made in Mexico as marked on the back.  I am not sure if this is the original frame Emmett Fritz sold the painting in or not.

Frame measures:  22" w by 19" t
Canvas Board Measures:  14" w by 11" t