| Lot #: 707 Attr. To John Frederick Kensett (American, 1816-1872) "The Wadsworth Oak" |
| Sgn. Lower right, JFK, '58. Oil/canvas. John F. Kensett was one of the finest landscape artists of the Civil War Era. Kensett was known for his attention to lighting and atmosphere. John Paul Driscoll and John Howat write that during the mid 1850’s “Kensett shifted from the more conventional anecdotal picturesque mode derived from the tradition of Cole and Durand, to the quiet openness, light, and simplification of form, color, and composition that is now recognized as his mature style and associated with the phenomenon of ‘luminism’…The artist’s fidelity to nature is asserted not so much in the details as in the clarity of the light, which heightens the sense of realism… Light takes on not only substantiality but also an almost iconographic significance as it isolates a particular time and setting and suggests the eternity and universality of nature” (John Frederick Kensett: An American Master, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1985, p. 99, 108). “The Wadsworth Oak”, painted by Kens |
| 24" x 36" |
|
Provenance It is for the descendants of the historic Wadsworth family, that we are privileged to sell this fine work of art that represents a part of the history of western New York State. |
|
Condition Some minor inpaint along upper left. |
|
Auction Date Mar 23, 2013 |
| Estimate: $100,000-$150,000 |
Details:
Sgn. Lower right, JFK, '58. Oil/canvas.
John F. Kensett was one of the finest landscape artists of the Civil War Era. Kensett was known for his attention to lighting and atmosphere. John Paul Driscoll and John Howat write that during the mid 1850’s "Kensett shifted from the more conventional anecdotal picturesque mode derived from the tradition of Cole and Durand, to the quiet openness, light, and simplification of form, color, and composition that is now recognized as his mature style and associated with the phenomenon of ‘luminism’…The artist’s fidelity to nature is asserted not so much in the details as in the clarity of the light, which heightens the sense of realism… Light takes on not only substantiality but also an almost iconographic significance as it isolates a particular time and setting and suggests the eternity and universality of nature" (John Frederick Kensett: An American Master, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1985, p. 99, 108).
"The Wadsworth Oak", painted by Kensett in 1
Shipping Information:
Unlike many auction companies, Cottone Auctions offers a full-service shipping department. We’re equipped to pack and safely ship just about any item to just about any location around the globe.
Learn more >
