Lot 117: Jasper Francis Cropsey O/C Autumn Landscape, Along the Delaware, ex-Christies

Jasper Francis Cropsey (New York, 1823-1900) oil on canvas Hudson River School landscape painting, “Along the Delaware,” 1889. Within a lush, atmospheric landscape filled with colorful fall foliage, a single figure carries a red bindle and walks away from a small bridge. The bridge transverses a creek that flows into the distant Delaware River. At right, the roof of a small building and a wooden fence peer over a hillside while dark clouds hang in the sky above. Signed and dated “J.F. Cropsey 1889,” lower left. With 1991 Christies labels affixed to back of frame. Housed in a giltwood frame with brass nameplate. Canvas: 12 in H x 20 in W. Sight: 11 in H x 19 in W. Frame: 21 in H x 29 1/4 in W. Biographical Note: “Jasper F. Cropsey was born in 1823, the son of a farmer. He was initially trained as an architect under Joseph Trench, who encouraged his interest in drawing and painting. Cropsey soon developed a keen interest in landscape. Throughout the 1840s he supported himself with architectural commissions; among the most notable was New York’s Sixth Avenue Elevated Railway. In 1847 Cropsey traveled to Europe and settled in Thomas Cole’s old studio in Rome. In 1849 he returned to New York and traveled upstate to devote himself to the landscape work that would eventually bring him prominence as a Hudson River School painter. Cropsey’s landscapes reflect his interest in the influence of nature on man’s existence, a concept that was fundamental to the Hudson River School artists. He was a founding member of the American Watercolor Society in 1867.” (Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum)

PROVENANCE: The Mary Louise Thompson Revocable Trust, Chevy Chase, MD. Christies, NY, March 14, 1991, lot 26.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, canvas has been lined and mounted to a new stretcher. With scattered retouching primarily to foliage: largest areas to trees and outgrowth at far right, 3 in x 1 1/4 in and 1 3/4 in x 1 1/4 in, and to area behind bridge, 4 1/4 in x 1/2 in, plus to bridge itself. See UV photography. Frame with minor abrasions and gilt loss, especially to lower corners.