This lot consists of an oil painting on board, done in the Expressionist style of Alfons Walde (Austrian, 1891-1958). A hand-painted inscription at lower right corner reads, "A. Walde". Framed piece measures approximately 31" x 27", with an approximate image sight of 27.25" x 23.25".

In this stunning work, frozen, sun-drenched earth cascades from snow-capped peaks to a snug Alpine basin. The foreground is populated by lush pines and a spattering of red-roofed structures, with a hush and a stillness that blankets the whole scene. An enveloping and majestic winter landscape.

Reverse side of piece features an affixed paper label, as well as a number of handwritten inscriptions. At top left, a graphite inscription is visible, but illegible to this author. The language is assumed to be Austrian. A central paper label is emblazoned with the words, "ALFONS WALDE. Kitzbuhel. Tirol. Austria." Below the paper label are further handwritten inscriptions which appear to also be penned in Austrian. A small, vertical inscription at right contains the digits, "48".

Alfons Walde (Austrian, 1891-1958) was an architect, graphic designer, and publisher who enjoyed runaway success as a landscape artist with snowy depictions of his native Tyrolian mountains. Walde studied architecture in Vienna from 1910 to 1914, during which time he moved in the same artistic circles as Egon Schiele (German, 1890-1918) and Gustav Klimt (Austrian, 1862-1918). Walde first exercised his artistic prowess in the areas of tempera and watercolor paint, focusing his subject matter on the people of the high mountain regions, their farms, and the houses they inhabited. As Walde's success grew, he established his own printing company in order to quickly replicate his own original works. He printed his pictures as posters and postcards, making them easily marketable to the general public. From 1946 on, Walde dedicated himself to architectural work. It was, however, his sweeping Alpine landscapes that secured Alfons Walde the perfectly befitting title of the "magic realist".

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection from Upstate New York

DIMENSIONS:
Framed approx. 31" x 27"; image sight approx. 27.25" x 23.25".



Finger Lakes Auction has been commissioned to liquidate a once-in-a-lifetime fine art collection from an Upstate New York Estate. Pieces contained in this auction are some of the finest paintings ever to be offered through our Art Gallery.

PLEASE NOTE: Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in this catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

"In the style of" [Artist Name] : The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Overall good condition. The artwork itself remains rich and textural. Slight fading seems to have occurred over time, though the artwork remains clear and bold. Please see photos for further reference.