Karl Friedrich Hermann Lungkwitz (German/American, 1813-1891). The Watzmann near Salzburg, September 9, 1846. Oil on pap...

Description

Karl Friedrich Hermann Lungkwitz (German/American, 1813-1891)
The Watzmann near Salzburg, September 9, 1846
Oil on paper
9-1/2 x 11-1/2 inches (24.1 x 29.2 cm) (sheet)
Dated lower right: 9 Sept. 46

PROVENANCE:
David Dike Fine Art, Dallas, Texas, October 19, 2002, lot 14;
Acquired by the present owner from the above.

One of the first trained artists in Texas, Karl Friedrich Hermann Lungkwitz was born in Germany and studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts at Dresden. He immigrated to America in 1850, settling near Fredericksburg, Texas in 1852. While continuing to paint landscapes of the Hill Country, Lungkwitz moved to San Antonio in 1864 and opened a photographic studio with the artist Carl G. von Iwonski. In 1870, he moved to Austin where he worked as a photographer while teaching drawing and painting at the German-English Academy and the Texas Female Institute in Austin in the late 1870s. "During class he checked the sharpness of his students' pencils, often erased mistakes, and made them redraw scenes copied from his European drawings or illustrations from magazines," according to Lungkwitz biographer, Patrick McGuire. Lungkwitz's contributions to the lexicon of Texas landscape paintings began with his views of the Pedernales River, near where the artist's descendants still live today on land purchased in 1852. Despite being German-trained and having no connection whatsoever to the British landscape tradition from which the Hudson River School artists descended, Lungkwitz's works from the 1860s and 1870s could hang alongside the best of the Hudson River School painters, especially John Frederick Kensett. However, the use of oil on paper, as seen in The Watzmann near Salzburg, September 9, 1846, was common amongst other German-trained artists such as Albert Bierstadt.

More information about Lungkwitz, Karl Friedrich Hermann. See also: Lungkwitz, Hermann, Carl Hermann Frederick Lungkwitz Artist.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.