Description

We almost couldn't sell this one. This is an absolutely charming depiction of the Seine painted by Johannes Schiefer during, we think, the period sometime between 1935 and 1955. If you look closely at the photo you can see Schiefer's use of impasto to create the smokestack on the tug boat. The other fantastic thing about this painting is the hand carved framed by Max Granick. Max Granick created many of the frames for the masterworks in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and the frame itself is a work of art.  

Details

• Johannes Schiefer (German/American, 1896-1979)
• Paris, La Seine
  
• Oil on Canvas
  
• Signed lower right
  
• 26" x 30" (overall) 19 1/2" x 23 1/2" (sight)
• In original hand carved Max Granick gilt wood frame
• Excellent condition, slight gilt loss to frame

About the Artist

Johannes Schiefer was born in 1896 in Alsace and attended the Düsseldorf Academy in Germany. He later moved to Paris where he began his formal art training. Schiefer lived and painted in southern France and Europe until he, his wife, and young daughter fled France for New York in 1942. In the US he continued to paint and exhibit his work at New York galleries. Later in life he was the curator of the Parrish Art Museum in Southampton, Long Island.  

Born in the late 19th century, Schiefer was no doubt introduced to impressionism as a young art student, and it is not all that surprising that he chose to continue to paint in a post impressionist style. However, his paintings differ from period impressionist paintings in that he injects them with a lighthearted almost illustrative quality. His scenes of Paris, for instance, include cars, boats and small figures engaged in activity that reflects the daily rhythm of the city. His works had broad appeal and were collected and treasured by many serious collectors, which explains why so many of his paintings are displayed in beautifully ornate period frames.