This beautiful late 19th-century oil painting by German artist Karl Heffner (1849-1925) depicts a broad river scene at low tide.
A shimmering near-white glow extends beyond the horizon where the illuminated river meets the tint of the sky. The majority of the composition is light, born from a golden sliver disappearing behind trees. At low tide, the villagers flock with nets, catching supper within shallow waters. While cattle amble between mudbanks, zigzagging into a blur.
Heffner preferred the colder months - long autumnal shadows, damp riverbanks, flooded wetlands. He was unconventional and moved to England for its transient weather. Predominantly unknown back in Germany, he made a mark in British galleries, with Benjamin Williams Leader (1831-1923) a keen admirer.
Signed lower right and held within a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 43” x 20” / 109cm x 51cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Labels & Inscriptions: Aitken Dott & Son, Edinburgh, gallery label.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear. Professionally restored.
Artist’s auction maximum: £20,777
Karl Heffner was a well-regarded German landscape painter in oils and watercolours. He trained in Munich under Adolf Stademann and Adolf Heinrich Lier. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the V&A in London.
Learn more about Karl Heffner in our directory.
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.
