Description

This is another absolutely charming painting by Johannes Schiefer that we will find difficult to part with. Its bold colors and more graphic quality suggest that it was completed in the late 1950s. We love his strategic use of black -- in the curved path, the trunks of the trees, and the two birds. Note also the small figures in boats, one of which looks like a red canoe.  

Details

• Johannes Schiefer (German/American, 1896-1979)
• Untitled lake scene
• Oil on Canvas
  
• Signed lower right
  
• 26" x 30" (overall) in likely original carved gilt frame
• Very good estate condition. Carved gilt frame has significant losses but has been professionally re-touched.  Paint is largely intact with no indication of craquelure or paint loss.  Not examined under black light.

 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.