Jasper Francis Cropsey (American, 1823-1900) Landscape

Jasper Francis Cropsey (American, 1823-1900)

Landscape
Signed and dated "J.F. Cropsey/1889" l.l.
Oil on canvas, 12 x 20 in. (30.5 x 50.8 cm), framed.
Condition: Lined, retouch, very fine, stable craquelure.

Provenance: Descended within a private Massachusetts collection.

Literature: Anthony M. Speiser, et al., Jasper Francis Cropsey: Catalogue Raisonné (Newington-Cropsey Foundation: Hastings-on-Hudson, NY), 2013, volume III, p. 69, entry 2002 (not illustrated).

N.B. One of the leading artists of the Hudson River School, Jasper Francis Cropsey first started to paint in and around the Hudson River Valley in the 1850s. From childhood, Cropsey showed both interest and ability in drawing, and taught himself by copying the paintings and drawings of established artists. Although he initially trained as an architect, Cropsey had early success as a landscape painter. Cropsey was greatly influenced by the work of Thomas Cole and developed a palette and romantic sensibility akin to the older artist's style. He is best known for his autumnal views; sunlit scenes filled with the vibrant colors that are ubiquitous in fall throughout New York and New England.

Cropsey moved to his home, "Ever Rest," overlooking the ravine at Hasting-on-Hudson in 1885. Here he lived more simply than he had as a younger man, focusing largely on the scenic views of his immediate surroundings, although he also created landscapes based on his vast number of sketches from his earlier travels. The present view is probably from the vicinity of Warwick, New York, not far west of "Ever Rest."

A copy of correspondence from the Newington-Cropsey Foundation, dated September 9, 2013, accompanies the lot.