AMERICAN TONALIST
Late 19th/early 20th century

A Moonlit Nocturnal Landscape

Oil on canvas | Unsigned

20" H x 25 1/16" W x 7/8" D [frame]
15 1/4" H x 20 1/4" W [canvas]

This late 19th to early 20th century American Tonalist painting presents a quiet nocturne rendered in subdued earth tones. A stream reflects the pale moonlight as it cuts through the center of the composition, bordered by low pastures and dense stands of trees along the horizon. It is with brushwork layered and atmospheric that the painter has softened the forms, directing the viewer's eye toward the distant light source. The artist's control of tone and value captures a fleeting mood rather than a specific location, consistent with the Tonalist aim to evoke feeling through harmony of color and light. The work reflects the influence of French Barbizon painters while remaining rooted in the American landscape tradition. A complex and finely rendered scene - unsigned, but clearly by a very nuanced and well-developed hand.

Condition: Original stretcher in good condition (missing keys). Canvas has not been lined, though linen tape has been applied to the tacking edges; small old patch verso. Carefully conserved: old thick discolored synthetic varnish removed, old inpaint removed, touchups completed, sealed in traditional Dammar varnish. Under UV examination shows some inpaint (specks here and there, several spots gathered center of scene) and some overpaint (clouds) that was likely applied to help tone down the craquelure. Craquelure throughout. Frame is a period replacement that matches the mood of the painting perfectly - gilt surface refreshed. Ready to place. 

ref. 501IQW02P