1920s Ernest Fredericks Autumn River Landscape, Oil on Board, American Impressionist

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This oil-on-board landscape painting is the work of Ernest Fredericks (1877–1959), a well-regarded American Impressionist celebrated for his evocative portrayals … Read more This oil-on-board landscape painting is the work of Ernest Fredericks (1877–1959), a well-regarded American Impressionist celebrated for his evocative portrayals of Midwestern scenery. Born in McPherson, Kansas, and trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, Fredericks became closely associated with rural subjects in Illinois, Indiana’s Brown County art colony, and the Ozarks. His work maintains a dedicated collector base, particularly in the Midwest and among enthusiasts of the Brown County style. The painting bears his characteristic, original signature in the lower right corner, providing clear authentication and a direct link to his established body of work.

The composition is a strong example of Fredericks’ sensitivity to light, season, and atmosphere. A winding river or stream defines the left side of the scene, bordered by a steep grassy embankment that guides the eye toward a dense stand of trees. Autumnal river landscapes are among his most sought-after subjects, and here he employs a warm palette of ochres, golds, and muted greens, set against a hazy blue-grey sky suggestive of late afternoon light. Visible, confident brushwork animates the foliage and hillside, reinforcing the painting’s impressionistic character.

The work is well preserved on its original board and is presented in a period-style, multi-tiered gilt wood frame with beaded inner detailing. The reverse retains the original board and an age-appropriate wire hanging assembly, consistent with works of this era and further supporting its authenticity and appeal. See less