Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (American, 1869-1959). The Mountaineer. Oil on canvas. 50 x 60 inches (127 x 152.4 cm). Sign...

Description

Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (American, 1869-1959)
The Mountaineer
Oil on canvas
50 x 60 inches (127 x 152.4 cm)
Signed lower right: C. Rungius

Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

PROVENANCE:
Grand Central Art Galleries, New York.

Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius, born in Germany in 1869, became one of the most influential wildlife artists of his time, known for his remarkable depictions of North American fauna. Educated at the Berlin Art Academy, Rungius developed a strong understanding of classical European art, but his deep interests in animal anatomy, taxidermy, hunting, and conservation would later distinguish his work.

In 1894, Rungius made his first visit to the United States, accompanying his uncle on a moose-hunting trip in Maine. This introduction to North American wilderness was a pivotal moment in his life, fostering a deep connection to the landscapes and wildlife he would later immortalize in his art. His passion for the outdoors only deepened when he visited Wyoming, spending five months studying and sketching the wildlife of the Rocky Mountains. The following year, Rungius immigrated to the United States and began his career at a time when wildlife conservation efforts, spearheaded by President Theodore Roosevelt, were gaining momentum.

Rungius created illustrations for magazines, books, and advertisements aimed at preserving endangered animals and sustainable hunting in his early career. His detailed, anatomically precise depictions were not only visually striking but also played a crucial educational role in promoting conservation.

In 1910, Rungius was invited to the Canadian Rockies by Banff guide Jimmy Simpson, an experience that inspired him to build his studio, "The Paintbox," in the region. For the rest of his life, Rungius frequented this area, producing some of his most iconic works depicting animals in their natural environments, including bears, moose, and elk. Rungius's paintings stood out for their dynamic portrayals of animals in action, set against the vast and dramatic landscapes of the American and Canadian West.

The Mountaineer marks a departure from Rungius's typical subjects, focusing instead on a central human figure while still featuring his signatory jagged landscapes, moments of glistening light reflecting off animal hides, and expansive open skies. The titular traveler, with his horse paused and his hands resting on the saddle horn, takes a moment to gaze across a landscape that remains beyond the viewer's sight. Behind him, two more horses laden with supplies make their way across the rocky terrain to meet him.

Rungius' legacy endures as a key figure in the world of wildlife art, his work contributing to the conservation movement by fostering a deep respect and appreciation for nature. His paintings remain a testament to the beauty of the wilderness and the creatures that inhabit it, inspiring future generations of artists and conservationists alike.

Opening Bid: $100,000


More information about Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius. See also: Rungius, Carl Clemens Moritz, Carl Rungius, Rungius, Carl, Rungius, Carl N. A. Artist.

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