Wilhelm Jett, Impressionist Pastoral Scene, 19th-century Antique Landscape Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

A charming 19th-century pastoral scene by German painter, Wilhelm Jett (b.1846). On the surface, it’s a simple depiction of a shepherd and his flock. But dig a little deeper and it’s potentially an early example of plein air painting.

Jett created this little piece in 1872 when critics and academies preferred a finer approach to landscape painting. Artists that challenged the status quo were generally derided and referred to as amateurs.

Yet, throughout Europe, small pockets of artists were beginning to experiment with new techniques including painting outdoors to capture the fleeting effects of light. These included the French impressionists who, when this piece was created, were still struggling for any formal recognition.

There’s very little information available on Wilhelm Jett but it’s interesting to consider whether he was directly influenced by the emerging scene in Paris. It’s likely that he travelled during his studies so perhaps he visited France or Italy in search of new ideas. His brushwork isn’t broken in the same way as the French yet the spirit of plein air painting is certainly evident.

The painting is signed/dated in the lower right.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 24” x 17” / 61cm x 44cm

Year of creation: 1872

Provenance: Germany

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

Artist’s auction highlight: £13,948 achieved for ‘Day of Leisure’ at Sotheby’s in 2001.

Physical Dimensions

Height

44cm (17.32")

Width

61cm (24.02")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA814873

Description

“

Jett created this little piece in 1872 when critics and academies preferred a finer approach to landscape painting.

Brave Fine Art

Artists that challenged the status quo were generally derided and referred to as amateurs.

fig 1. Wilhelm Jett, Impressionist Pastoral Scene, 19th-Century Antique Landscape Painting — fig 1. Wilhelm Jett, Impressionist Pastoral Scene, 19th-century Antique Landscape Painting

Yet, throughout Europe, small pockets of artists were beginning to experiment with new techniques including painting outdoors to capture the fleeting effects of light. These included the French impressionists who, when this piece was created, were still struggling for any formal recognition.

fig 2. Wilhelm Jett, Impressionist Pastoral Scene, 19th-Century Antique Landscape Painting — fig 2. Wilhelm Jett, Impressionist Pastoral Scene, 19th-century Antique Landscape Painting

There’s very little information available on Wilhelm Jett but it’s interesting to consider whether he was directly influenced by the emerging scene in Paris. It’s likely that he travelled during his studies so perhaps he visited France or Italy in search of new ideas. His brushwork isn’t broken in the same way as the French yet the spirit of plein air painting is certainly evident.