What characterises 19th-century Continental townscape paintings?

19th-century Continental townscape paintings typically feature detailed architectural views, busy port or river scenes, and atmospheric light effects influenced by Romanticism and traditional European cityscape compositions.

Which materials were traditionally used in 19th-century oil paintings and frames?

Artists painted in oil pigments on stretched linen canvas, while surrounding frames were constructed from carved wood with plaster moulding, finished in genuine gold leaf layering.

How can authentic 19th-century oil paintings be identified?

Authentic period paintings exhibit age-appropriate craquelure across the oil paint layer, natural canvas darkening or historic re-lining on the reverse, original hand-finished gilding, and artist signatures.

How can an antique harbour townscape painting be styled in modern interiors?

Position the painting as a focal point above a fireplace mantelpiece or dark timber sideboard to create visual contrast against modern wall colours and minimalist furniture.

How should antique oil paintings and gilded frames be preserved?

Display the artwork away from direct sunlight and humidity sources, dusting the frame and canvas surface gently with a soft dry brush without applying water or polish.

for sale €8,775 $9,525

£7,500

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Antique Harbour Landscape Painting

Id #SA1022172

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Continental Townscape Oil Painting of a Busy Harbour Town by Ludwig Hermann

Name: Continental Townscape Oil Painting of a Busy Harbour Town by Ludwig Hermann
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1022172
Price: 7500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Benton Fine Art

Description

Ludwig Hermann

German, (1812-1881)

A Bustling Harbour Town

Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1863

Image size: 26 inches x 36.5 inches

Size including frame: 35.25 inches x 45.75 inches

A wonderful continental townscape scene of a bustling harbour by Ludwig Hermann. The Medieval architecture is reminiscent of North Germany and the Baltic sea area with its busy trading ports. Figures can be seen chatting to traders as ships sail around the harbour.

Ludwig Hermann or Herman was born Elias Ludwig Julius Herrmann at Greifswald, Germany in 1812 to Wilhelm and Sophie Herrmann. Although little is recorded about his early life and education, he is known to have left his home in 1831 at the age of 19, to pursue an artistic career in Berlin. There he entered the Prussian Academy of Arts where he studied under Johann Gottfried Schadow (1764-1850).

Hermann started exhibiting at the Berlin Academy exhibitions in 1836. A year later in 1837, he travelled to Paris to study under Eugène Isabey (1803-1886) and Eugène Lepoittevin (1806-1870). By 1841 he had returned to Berlin where he married Caroline Wilhelmine ‘Auguste’ Dupont on 16 October, 1841. From his base in Berlin he travelled around Europe painting views of France, Holland and Germany. As well as exhibiting in Berlin, he also exhibited in Bremen, Leipzig and in England. His exhibitions in the UK spanned between 1862 and 1873 and included the Royal Academy. He died in Berlin on 29 December, 1881.

Collectors over the years have been captivated by his still watered views along the Rhine, always displaying his warm palette and clever use of detail. His busy quayside views are always interesting with their inclusion of figures and beautiful weathered buildings. Paintings by Hermann can be found at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Mullhouse, France and in the Trieste Museum, Italy.

Presentation: The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.

© Benton Fine Art

Physical Dimensions

Height

89.5cm (35.24")

Width

116.5cm (45.87")

Depth

7.5cm (2.95")

Declaration

Benton Fine Art has dated this Continental Harbour Oil Painting to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1022172

Dealers Notes

Members of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA).

We use a professional, fully insured and tracked door to door service for our UK and international deliveries. Please contact us for further information and shipping quotes.

Viewing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. However, we can also arrange for you to view the item in your home, depending on the location.

For a wider range of stock please visit www.bentonfineart.com.

If you would like to purchase this item or have any questions, please email us at pictures@bentonfineart.com or call 07710 540549.

© Benton Fine Art

Description

Ludwig Hermann

German, (1812-1881)

A Bustling Harbour Town

Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1863

Image size: 26 inches x 36.5 inches

Size including frame: 35.25 inches x 45.75 inches

A wonderful continental townscape scene of a bustling harbour by Ludwig Hermann.

“

The Medieval architecture is reminiscent of North Germany and the Baltic sea area with its busy trading ports.

Benton Fine Art

Figures can be seen chatting to traders as ships sail around the harbour.

fig 1. An oil painting depicting a harbour town with historic buildings, boats, and figures on the quay, enclosed in an ornate gold leaf swept frame. — fig 1. Continental Townscape Oil Painting of a Busy Harbour Town by Ludwig Hermann

Ludwig Hermann or Herman was born Elias Ludwig Julius Herrmann at Greifswald, Germany in 1812 to Wilhelm and Sophie Herrmann. Although little is recorded about his early life and education, he is known to have left his home in 1831 at the age of 19, to pursue an artistic career in Berlin. There he entered the Prussian Academy of Arts where he studied under Johann Gottfried Schadow (1764-1850).

fig 2. An oil painting depicting a harbour town with historic buildings, boats, and figures on the quay, enclosed in an ornate gold leaf swept frame. — fig 2. Continental Townscape Oil Painting of a Busy Harbour Town by Ludwig Hermann

Hermann started exhibiting at the Berlin Academy exhibitions in 1836. A year later in 1837, he travelled to Paris to study under Eugène Isabey (1803-1886) and Eugène Lepoittevin (1806-1870). By 1841 he had returned to Berlin where he married Caroline Wilhelmine ‘Auguste’ Dupont on 16 October, 1841. From his base in Berlin he travelled around Europe painting views of France, Holland and Germany. As well as exhibiting in Berlin, he also exhibited in Bremen, Leipzig and in England. His exhibitions in the UK spanned between 1862 and 1873 and included the Royal Academy. He died in Berlin on 29 December, 1881.

fig 3. An oil painting depicting a harbour town with historic buildings, boats, and figures on the quay, enclosed in an ornate gold leaf swept frame. — fig 3. Continental Townscape Oil Painting of a Busy Harbour Town by Ludwig Hermann

Collectors over the years have been captivated by his still watered views along the Rhine, always displaying his warm palette and clever use of detail. His busy quayside views are always interesting with their inclusion of figures and beautiful weathered buildings. Paintings by Hermann can be found at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Mullhouse, France and in the Trieste Museum, Italy.

fig 4. An oil painting depicting a harbour town with historic buildings, boats, and figures on the quay, enclosed in an ornate gold leaf swept frame. — fig 4. Continental Townscape Oil Painting of a Busy Harbour Town by Ludwig Hermann

Presentation: The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.