Magnus Colcord Heurlin (Sweden/Alaska, 1895-1986) oil on canvas mountain landscape depicting Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, in Alaska. Signed lower right and housed in the original carved gilt frame. Sight – 24" H x 33" W. Framed – 28 3/4" H x 38 1/2" W. 20th century. Biography: Magnus Heurlin was one of Alaska's most important early artists and is best known for landscapes depicting the history of the area. He attended the Fenway School of Illustration in Boston and came to Alaska in 1916, first to Valdez and later to Barrow, where he lived and painted the Inupiat. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1917 during World War I, serving in France. After the war, Heurlin moved to Connecticut, where he worked as an illustrator. In the 1930s he was selected as an artist for the WPA Arts Project in Westport's public school buildings. He returned to Alaska around 1935 and worked on the gold dredges near Ester for the Fairbanks Exploration (FE) Company. Heurlin taught the first art classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the 1950s, and received an honorary doctorate from the university in 1971. HIs paintings are characterized by a pastel palette and luminous skies. (Sources: Connecticut State Library website, Askart). CONDITION: Overall very good condition.