William Wendt (American/California, 1865-1946) large plein-air impressionist oil on canvas landscape titled “Breezy Uplands” depicting a lush green pasture with a copse of trees to the right under a cloud filled sky. Signed lower right “W. Wendt”. Housed in an elaborate, possibly original gilt and gesso rococo style frame with gilt plaque stating artist name and title. Exhibited, The Art Institute of Chicago, #36, March 2-22, 1905. Sight – 19 3/4″ H x 35 3/4″ W. Framed – 33 1/2″ H x 48 5/8″ W. Provenance: the estate of Mrs. Frank Wood, Evansville, Indiana and Dickson, Tennessee; acquired 1981 from the estate of Dalton Jobe of Indiana. Biography (source: The California Art Club): William Wendt is often referred to as the “Dean of southern California artists.” Born in Bentzen, Germany, Wendt immigrated to Chicago in 1880 and studied briefly at the Art Institute of Chicago while working at a commercial art shop. Wendt was a good friend of the artist George Gardner Symons in Chicago and made several trips to southern California with him between 1894 and 1906. After his marriage to sculptress Julia Bracken in 1906, the couple moved to Los Angeles. Wendt was a cofounder of the California Art Club and held the position of president for six years. In 1912 he was elected an Associate of the National Academy. CONDITION: Painting in very good condition with little to no restoration visible under UV light. Light cracquelure throughout. 1/2″ flake upper left corner at frame edge. Old restoration to upper left corner of frame, scattered small losses to frame.