ARTIST: Alexander Nelke (New York, South Carolina, Estonian, 1894 - 1974)
TITLE: Mountain River Landscape
MEDIUM: oil on canvas
CONDITION: Few minor paint losses. Minor craquelure. No visible inpaint under UV light.
ART SIZE: 17 x 26 inches / 43 x 66 cm
FRAME SIZE: 21 x 30 inches / 53 x 76 cm
SIGNATURE: lower right
NAME VARIANTS: Sergei Alexander Nelke
CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online
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SKU#: 124934
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BIOGRAPHY:
Nelke was primarily self taught as an artist and began painting by using cut up sails as canvas while out at sea. After settling in America, Nelke continued working as a carpenter and painted out of his studio on Baltic Street in Brooklyn. He studied for a time under fellow marine painter William C. Ehrig.His background as a seaman and ship builder allowed him to produce highly detailed and accurate paintings of seascapes and nautical vessels. He was considered an authority in the field of maritime art and also in the detail of sailing ships (especially rigging) and their construction. He was often consulted on high-end ship models. This attracted interest in the commercial market and Nelke was commissioned to paint several pieces which would be reproduced on items such as prints, playing cards and jigsaw puzzles to be sold to the public.Nelke sat on the committee for the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, which was started by Vernon Carroll Porter in 1931 and was also a former director of the Brooklyn Outdoor Art Show. He was a member of the Salons of America, and exhibited his work with them in 1934 and 1936. He also exhibited with The Society of Independent Artists in 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940 and 1944.At the age of 79, Nelke died in his Brooklyn, NY apartment on August 8, 1974. He is buried near his brother Waldemar in Wappingers Falls, NY.