Featured Help with identifying an artist

Hi everyone!
I got this beautiful painting recently, I'd estimate it's from about 1930s.
Unfortunately there is some sort of glue stain on the signature, and only the first 2 initials are clearly visible. It's definitely done by a skilled artist. What makes me more interested is that the label on back shows that it was in a prominent NYC gallery, Henri Antoville Galleries.
Would someone have an idea?? I'm stumped and frustrated that I can't find the artist.

Thank you in advance!
Kate

 

It’s oil on board or canvas? It’s usually helpful to show the back as it can determine age from nails, screws etc. Have you tried a bit of spit on a cotton bud to see if that removes the stain? That won’t hurt the picture. I do like the painting

 

This is such an interesting mystery! Is this perhaps the same artist (https://www.antiques-in-france.com/item/154478/oil-on-canvas)? The initials look very similar.

Nadia

 

Thank you all for the replies!
Interesting, the initials do look similar! Too bad nothing after the G.
It is oil on canvas. I did try to remove the stain lightly w water, but it's not coming off easily. I will try to get a back picture tomorrow when the light is out, maybe it will give another idea.

 

Although the frame may date to the 1930s, I think the painting is earlier.

Debora

 

Agree.

 

Spit is better! Professionals use it.

 

Maybe it is a little earlier, but does not look like 19th century to me.
Here is the back, maybe it sparks any ideas?

 

Definitely recommend against using water-based solutions to clean oil paintings. The signature area is especially sensitive. You can buy professional oil painting cleaning solutions however proficiency requires serious practice.

Verso looks very clean. A bit dark for 1930s though IMO. Perhaps 1910's?

 

Thank you all!
Tried suggestions, the signature stands as it is. The first letter of the last name seems to be B or D, though. My main concern is to find the artist, or at least a country where it's from, to direct my research. It's such a nice piece, very frustrating!

 

H'Ful's correct-Saliva/Spit to start.

 

Hello! Again, thanks for all the helpful suggestions! The signature stands as it is, though. Did research on the gallery, it had some prominence back in the day, and it makes me think it could be a good artist. It is such a shame I can't find who. Just wondering, maybe somebody can point me towards a professional that can help with identification? I'm out of ideas!