Adolf Meissner, a Woodcutter in the Snow, 19th Century Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A charming 19th-century study of a woodcutter in the snow by German painter, Adolf Meissner (1837-1902). He created this in advance of a larger work ‘Shepherd with herd and woodcutter in a snowy landscape'.

It depicts an elderly lady resting while carrying a weighty collection of sticks on her back. She’s extending her right arm as if she’s calling out to someone for assistance.

In the larger piece, a shepherd has stopped by her and she’s reaching up for refreshments. He offers her a drink as his flock attempt to graze through the snow underfoot.

Meissner trained at the Dresden Art Academy under Robert Kummer and Ludwig Richter. He was known for his wintery pastoral landscapes and often visited Switzerland for inspiration.

His works are highly regarded and he’s represented at several museums and international galleries. In 1902, some of his well-known paintings were shown at the Munich Glass Palace.

The study is housed within a suitable wooden frame and signed in the lower right.

Medium: Oil on board

Overall size: 15½” x 19” / 40cm x 49cm

Year of creation: c. 1870

Provenance: Germany

Condition: Very presentable. Frame with some age-related wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £15,866 achieved for ‘Das Neugeborene’ (118cm x 64cm) in 1994.

Physical Dimensions

Height

49cm (19.29")

Width

40cm (15.75")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA718675

Description

A charming 19th-century study of a woodcutter in the snow by German painter, Adolf Meissner (1837-1902).

“

He created this in advance of a larger work ‘Shepherd with herd and woodcutter in a snowy landscape'.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. Adolf Meissner, A Woodcutter In The Snow, 19th Century Oil Painting — fig 1. Adolf Meissner, a Woodcutter in the Snow, 19th Century Oil Painting

It depicts an elderly lady resting while carrying a weighty collection of sticks on her back. She’s extending her right arm as if she’s calling out to someone for assistance.

In the larger piece, a shepherd has stopped by her and she’s reaching up for refreshments. He offers her a drink as his flock attempt to graze through the snow underfoot.

fig 2. Adolf Meissner, A Woodcutter In The Snow, 19th Century Oil Painting — fig 2. Adolf Meissner, a Woodcutter in the Snow, 19th Century Oil Painting

Meissner trained at the Dresden Art Academy under Robert Kummer and Ludwig Richter. He was known for his wintery pastoral landscapes and often visited Switzerland for inspiration.

His works are highly regarded and he’s represented at several museums and international galleries. In 1902, some of his well-known paintings were shown at the Munich Glass Palace.