Albert Bierstadt (German-American, 1830-1902) "Sunlight and Shadow" New York: Emil Seitz, 1864. Chromolithograph printed in Berlin by Oeldruck V. Storch & Kramer. Signed and dated in the image on the lower right. Generally regarded as one of the most outstanding artists of the American West, Albert Bierstadt painted "Sunlight and Shadow" in 1862 and had this chromolithograph created two years later. The composition presents a shaded European church door as light and shadow elegantly dapple across the statues, cobblestones, as well as the church door and the mother and child sitting before it. Considered Bierstadt's first critical success, the artist soon sent this painting to Berlin to be chromolithographed. This is Bierstadt's first print that was executed on a grand scale, and it was described as "the finest specimen of the art yet seen in the country." A very rare Bierstadt chromolithograph set in a period frame. Size: 21.5" L x 18.5" W (54.6 cm x 47 cm) Size of frame: 31.375" L x 27.375" W (79.7 cm x 69.5 cm)
Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) was born in Germany, near Dusseldorf; however, he grew up in the United States. In his twenties he returned to Germany to study at the reputable Dusseldorf Academy. In addition to this school's tradition of heroic painting, the Hudson River School tradition would greatly impact the young Bierstadt who would go on to be best known for his grand paintings of the American West. Depicting the breathtaking beauty of such awe-inspiring locales as the Rocky Mountains and Yosemite Valley, Bierstadt's art also reflected the notion of Manifest Destiny in support of westward expansion.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection
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#164766
Condition
Print mounted to original backing as issued with original label mounted on verso. In period frame which shows slight age wear with scuffs to the wood and craquelure to the gold-hued inner molding. Print has been de-acidified. Very scarce. Very good to excellent condition.