Nighttime Reflection by Charles Rollo Peters, Oil on Canvas P3466

This may be one of the most exquisite pieces in our collection—truly a masterpiece. Nighttime Reflection, by the iconic American nocturne painter Charles Rollo Peters (1862-1928), captures the quiet magic of the Castro Adobe in Monterey, illuminated by the glow of a full moon. Peters, celebrated for his atmospheric night scenes, was one of the foremost artists associated with California’s early 20th-century Tonalist movement. His mastery of shadow, moonlight, and architectural silhouettes earned him international acclaim, even leading critics of the era to refer to him as the “Poet of the Nocturne.”

In this work, the deep, velvety shades of blue seem to envelop the viewer, while the delicate, shimmering reflections on the water display the refined technique that defined Peters’ mature style. It’s a painting that doesn’t simply draw you in—it holds you there, suspended in its quiet, luminous stillness.

Although this piece is not officially dated, Peter’s stylistic evolution and exhibition history suggest it was created around 1915, during the height of his Monterey period, when he frequently painted historic adobes and moonlit coastal scenes.

A rare and captivating work, Nighttime Reflection stands as a testament to Peters’ ability to turn California’s nighttime landscapes into pure visual poetry.

Measures 16" x 13"