Western and Contemporary Native American Art

Provenance:

Texas Commerce Bank, Houston, Texas.

Private Collection.

Lot Note:

William Keith was one of the foremost early California landscapists, regarded as the "Dean of California Painters" for his prolific and influential body of work. His early efforts, from the 1860s through the early 1880s, often featured grand, panoramic, and meticulously detailed views of the region's scenery and Native inhabitants, reflecting the prevailing Romantic tradition of artists like Albert Bierstadt. Influenced by his close friend, naturalist John Muir, Keith initially sought topographical accuracy, but after 1882, his paintings adopted a poetic and "intimate" style, focusing on soft light, mood, and atmosphere. The present work, dating to 1870, was executed at the height of his early and expansive style, and is emblematic of the sort of Western (and Pacific Northwestern) views that established his reputation.

Framed: 36 x 52 inches.

In overall stable condition. Minor deposits of surface dirt and dust; canvas is relined; passages of the canvas have been pressed due to the lining process; network of craquelure throughout the surface. UV: an approximately 6-inch line of inpainting in the center left, indicating a possible repaired tear; both the upper right and left corners of the sky have inpainting, with the inpainting extending along the left edge; additional small to larger areas of inpainting scattered throughout the sky; smaller lines and spots of inpainting in the lower left corner, within the tent in the lower right corner, and in the center right. Additional images available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email westernart@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.