This gentle early 20th-century landscape painting by Austrian artist Wenzel Wirkner (1864-1947) depicts a young lady reading in the shade of an old tree. It’s midsummer and the sun radiates across the landscape illuminating a lake and distant woodland.

Given the sensitivity of the piece, it’s likely that the artist knew the seated lady well. Perhaps they’ve rested here before.

Wirkner was an artisan and his landscapes feel poetic and gestural. Here, the brushwork ebbs and flows, with strong horizontals in the foreground, striking verticals either side and dappled daubs for the foliage.

Perhaps, like the lady herself, you can lose yourself momentarily.

Signed in the lower right and framed.

Learn more about Wenzel Wirkner in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 17½” x 15½” / 47cm x 39cm
Year of creation: c. 1930
Condition: Artwork presents well with no issues. Frame with some wear.