ALPINE VILLAGE SCENE

Continental School, late 19th century
Oil on canvas, unsigned

29 1/2" H x 41 1/2" W (framed)
24 5/8" H x 36 3/8" W (canvas)

A large oil on canvas depicting an Alpine hamlet nestled among dramatic mountain peaks with rustic chalets illuminated by sunlight in the foreground while villagers gather along a winding path near a rushing river. The composition follows the Romantic tradition of the mid-to-late 19th century, these emphasizing the grandeur of the alpine landscape while also grounding the scene in the rhythms of rural life. The painterly handling is somewhat naïve, with thin application of paint and a linear approach to figure and architecture, the overall effect giving it an almost primitive folksy approach-ability while the retaining scale and dramatic atmosphere of the setting.

The reverse retains its original stretcher, reinforced with a dovetailed medial vertical cross-brace. The painting is housed in a modern giltwood frame.

Condition: Linen is unlined with small patch repair at the back on the top and corresponding inpainting on the front of the painting. All keys present in the original stretchers. Ground with only minimal craquelure. Roughly six small areas of inpaint in the sky, some spots of addressed overcleaning (in the dark browns, for example the darkness of the middle chalet), overall remaining in good original condition. Housed in a modern giltwood frame with rubbing wear and discolorations. Cleaned and ready to place.

ref. 501KEJ02L