About the work

An original watercolor by Minerva Pierce, arguably Nevada’s best-known Latimer Art Club artist. This colorful depiction of Pyramid Lake, which is larger than typical works by Pierce, dates from the 1930s to early 40s. The artist’s original studio label is attached to the dust cover on reverse. The label lists Pierce’s Reno address on Chestnut Street, the title “Pyrimid [Pyramid] Lake,” and the location “near Sutcliffe.” Housed under glass, likely in the original frame.

The painting is in untouched, original condition. Colors are notably fresh and bright. The mat shows signs of age-related toning typical of works from this period and should be replaced to best preserve the condition of the watercolor. A very minor degree of toning is visible at the edges of the mat window. The painting has not been examined outside the frame.

Original watercolors by Minerva Pierce have become extremely difficult to acquire since she was featured in "The Latimer School" exhibition at the Nevada Museum of Art in 2021-2022.

About the artist…

If anyone could be described as a matriarch of the visual arts in Nevada, it would be Minerva Pierce. Pierce is arguably the best-known artist from the Latimer Art Club—named after California artist Lorenzo P. Latimer—which flourished in Reno from the 1920s to 40s. Latimer frequently journeyed to Nevada to teach painting classes, helping students like Pierce become regular exhibitors and art instructors in Reno. Pierce is also important for having supported local arts organizations in and around Reno, notably as a charter member of the Nevada Art Gallery, better known today as the Nevada Museum of Art.

Pierce’s exhibitions included the Nevada Art Gallery/Museum, Brundidge's art store, the University of Nevada Library Gallery, and the Nevada Art Association. While living in San Francisco, she exhibited at the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, and the Oakland Art Gallery. In 1938 her work was exhibited at the Third Annual Exhibition of American Art at Rockefeller Center in New York City. 

Packaging and Shipping

Flat-rate domestic shipping $40.

Sales tax

Items shipped or delivered to a Nevada address will include applicable sales tax on the purchase invoice.