1959 Andrew William Vachon, s.j. Original Oil on Canvas Painting “Silvered Silence” – Ketchikan, Alaska

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Original 1959 Andrew William Vachon, S.J. Oil Painting “Silvered Silence” – Ketchikan, Alaska

Original impasto oil on canvas painting by … Read more Original 1959 Andrew William Vachon, S.J. Oil Painting “Silvered Silence” – Ketchikan, Alaska

Original impasto oil on canvas painting by Andrew William Vachon, S.J., titled “Silvered Silence,” painted in Ketchikan, Alaska and dated March 1959, as inscribed on the reverse.

This beautiful winter landscape depicts a snow-covered forest stream rendered with thick, expressive impasto brushwork. Rich texture throughout the composition creates remarkable depth and movement, bringing the snow-laden evergreens, rocky stream bed, and flowing water to life. The painting masterfully captures the stillness and beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.

The reverse of the canvas bears the artist’s handwritten title, location, and date, providing valuable documentation and authenticity.

Dimensions:

Sight size (canvas): 24” x 20”
Framed: 28” x 24”

Condition:
Very good original vintage condition. The painting retains its original impasto surface with no visible repairs or restoration noted. Colors remain strong and the artwork displays beautifully. The original wood frame shows minor age-related wear and light scuffing consistent with normal use and age. Please review all photographs carefully as they are part of the description.

An exceptional mid-century Alaskan landscape by Andrew William Vachon, S.J., featuring outstanding texture, strong decorative appeal, and documented provenance. A wonderful addition to any collection of American landscape, Alaskan, or mid-century art.

Artist Biography – Andrew William Vachon

Andrew William Vachon (1910–1979) was an American Jesuit priest, artist, and educator whose work bridged spirituality, philosophy, and visual art. He pursued his academic studies at Gonzaga University, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in philosophy in the mid-1930s.

Vachon later returned to Gonzaga in 1965, where he taught photography and served as the university’s artist-in-residence. Over the course of his career, he produced a diverse body of work including paintings, drawings, and prints, often inspired by landscape, memory, and theological reflection.

His artistic style is characterized by a deeply personal and “visionary” approach, blending observed reality with imaginative interpretation. His works frequently explore themes of place, spirituality, and the presence of the divine in everyday environments.

Vachon remained active as both an artist and educator until his death on June 1, 1979, at Gonzaga University. His legacy includes decades of creative output and a lasting influence within the Jesuit and Pacific Northwest artistic communities.

Andrew William Vachon’s work was notably exhibited in the “Vivid in My Mind” show at the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, from September to December 2015. The exhibition featured about 70 paintings and drawings spanning four decades of his career. Additionally, some of his prints are held in the Whitman College and Northwest Archives in Walla Walla, Washington, and one of his oil paintings is in the collection of the Ketchikan Museums in Alaska. See less