This late 19th-century oil painting by German artist August Kraus (1852-1917) depicts a pond before a wood.
On this day in Summer, a light breeze rustled the huddled leaves of the compact woodland. Drifting across the tremulous grasses, which vibrate by the shimmering water.
The pond is alive - rippling with hazy reflections and sharp golden tints. While the sky is ebullient and abundant with billowing clouds.
It’s a masterful work by an artist predominantly known as a scene painter. His landscapes rarely surface and this is a particularly good example.
Signed lower right and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 17” x 20½” / 44cm x 52cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £2,812
German artist August Kraus is predominantly known for his genre scenes, which are often jovial and capture light-hearted everyday moments. He was trained at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich and he’s represented at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
