Rare to Market 19th C. Primitive Folk Art Colored Sandpaper Painting of River Scene & Boaters

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A stupendous and rare to market 19th Century color pastel on sandpaper* Primitive Folk Art Painting. It comes in its … Read more A stupendous and rare to market 19th Century color pastel on sandpaper* Primitive Folk Art Painting. It comes in its original frame and handblown subtle wavy glass. The artist is anonymous, though there's something marked on the back of the frame. The painting was found in Pennsylvania.

The majestic scenic scene is of a river town with two boats occupying the waters in the middle. To the left, on the foreground hill, is a tree with dense rounded green foliage dominating its trucks and leaning towards the water—as if to join in the serenity of the day. To the right is a cluster of town building with a church in the center, with its tall steeple rising above the rooftop and a cross finishing it off. The serene scene shows a calm body of river water stretching across the middle ground, reflecting the muted sky. The color palette is subdued and earthy with soft greens for vegetations, muted blues and grays for the water and overcast sky, and browns and grays for the land and buildings, giving it all a hazy atmospheric feel. Now back to the boats! The one on the right is a single-masted sailboat led by one sailor; and behind him way back are tiny buildings by the valleys of the mountain. To its left is a rowing boat with three figures, which to us steal the show. They are our favorite part of the whole painting. A group of friend fellowshipping together.

The painting style is characteristically naive—flat perspective, simplified forms, disproportionate elements and a childlike innocence in execution—typical of Folk Art traditions. That being said it's still executed with much depth and spirit and the painting, overall, continues to grow on one and transcends.

To put it into fewer words, the overall masterful result evokes a peaceful, idyllic rural scene, with themes of tranquility, nature, and community life.

*Sandpaper painting refers to using sandpaper itself as an art surface or to create unique textures and effects in art, often with pastels or oil pastels, where the gritty surface makes colors pop and adds depth.

Circa: 1800s
Condition: Good and consistent with age and wear
Dimensions: 19 1/2" W x 15 1/4" H See less