JOHN WILLIAM CASILEAR (NY/VT, 1811-1893)

Miniature Landscape of a Fisherman on a River, with Distant White-Capped Mountain (an old inscription on backing indicating this is Mount Chocorua, White Mountains, NH), oil on canvas, loose, no stretcher, unsigned, also inscribed on backing as being by Casilear, and stylistically consistent. Housed in an American red walnut molded cove frame with ebonized ranks, gilt liner, OS: 6 3/4" x 8 1/4", SS: 3" x 4 1/2". Fine condition.Casilear was a member of the Hudson River School of painters in the mid-late 19th c. Born in New York City, his initial artistic bent was satisfied by working as an engraver, where he met fellow engraver Asher Brown Durand (1796-1886), who would become a close friend and influence, and leader of the Hudson River movement after the death of Cole. After traveling to Europe with Durand, Kensett and Rossiter, Casilear developed his painting skills sufficiently to be named a member of the National Academy by 1851. He ended his days in the upstate New York resort town of Saratoga Springs.