Albert Bierstadt (American, 1830-1902). Iceberg Study, circa 1883. Oil on heavy paper. 6-1/4 x 9-1/2 inches (15.9 x 24.1...

Description

Albert Bierstadt (American, 1830-1902)
Iceberg Study, circa 1883
Oil on heavy paper
6-1/4 x 9-1/2 inches (15.9 x 24.1 cm) (sheet)

PROVENANCE:
Richard York Gallery, New York;
Private collection, New York;
Heritage Auctions, Dallas, November 10, 2006, lot 25092;
Private collection, Whitesburg, Kentucky, acquired from the above.

Iceberg Study is included in the Albert Bierstadt database being compiled by Melissa Webster Speidel in preparation for a catalogue raisonné of the artist's paintings. The present work is accompanied by her letter dated February 6, 2022. In this letter, Ms. Speidel writes:

"Bierstadt saw icebergs during some of his Atlantic crossings en route to and from Europe. We know for certain he did in 1883 because he inscribed one of the iceberg scenes, 'Iceberg seen from a steamer June 20, 1883.' Iceberg Study is similar to several [related] studies . . . [which] share the same gray palette and simplicity of composition and brushwork. . . . Although he may not have painted more than one finished oil painting of an iceberg, the dozen or so studies of them he painted suggest he was drawn to the intrinsic beauty of this natural phenomenon and sought to capture it on paper."


More information about Albert Bierstadt. See also: Bierstadt, Albert Artist.



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