Wilderness Sunset

Description

Oil on canvas landscape at sunset with strong evidence suggesting an attribution to Thomas Chambers (1808-1869). The self-taught Chambers seldom signed his work, but his distinct style is unmistakable. Called the first American Modernist, Chambers worked with bold and bright colors, favored stylized patterns and generalized forms, and painted with a marked contrast between dark and light. Chambers spent most of his career in New York City and Albany, New York. He is often associated with the painters of the Hudson River School, and although many of his canvases depict scenes from the region, Chambers’ singular vision and approach to his dramatic landscapes set him apart from the more traditional painters of his time.

This painting of a wilderness pond at sunset was found in Albany, New York. Several stylistic elements within the painting point to Chambers, including the smooth and shapely forms of the sunset-tinged clouds and their dynamic interaction with the stylized treetops, the gestural treatment of generalized forms such as the rocks in the foreground, and the use of high-contrast and detail to establish depth and light. Although Chambers painted plein air in the Hudson Valley, many of his subjects came from his own imagination, and this piece reflects the dreamlike, subjective qualities characteristic of his work. Given the vast majority of Chambers’ work was unsigned, it is impossible to guarantee this piece is by his hand. However, the factors described above and the painterly qualities of the canvas make a compelling case for a Chambers attribution to this striking landscape.

Condition

Good antique condition, vibrant colors and striking depth, apparenty a recent varnish, with surface craquelure and evidence of two old repairs (see back of canvas). No readily apparent evidence of inpainting or other obtrusive repairs visible. The canvas was found without a frame and professionally mounted in an antique molding, which is in good condition save that the lemon gold liner has several cracks. Many more detailed photos are available — please contact me below and I’ll be happy to share them with you.

Measurements

Canvas
30 inches wide
21 inches tall

Frame
37 inches wide
28 inches tall

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