Early 20th Century Large European Flower Market Oil Painting, Signed H. Johannsen, Ornate Gilt Frame

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Description

A wonderfully detailed large-scale original oil painting depicting a bustling European flower and produce market, signed “H. Johannsen” lower right … Read more A wonderfully detailed large-scale original oil painting depicting a bustling European flower and produce market, signed “H. Johannsen” lower right and presented in an elaborate gilt frame.

Nearly 40 inches wide on canvas, the scene is filled with merchants, shoppers, flower and produce stalls, baskets, awnings and old-world architecture. A bell tower and surrounding buildings recede into the distance, while dozens of individually painted figures animate the foreground.

The painting rewards a closer look. Individual faces, clothing, gestures, flowers, vegetables and market displays emerge from the composition, with visible brushwork and the textured surface of the canvas adding considerable character.

The painting is signed “H. Johannsen” lower right. Based on research into the signature, subject matter and closely corresponding documented works, the painting is attributed to Hans Richter-Johannsen (1881–1966).

Richter-Johannsen is represented in the auction record by European cityscapes, harbor scenes and flower-market subjects. Of particular interest, documented flower-market paintings associated with the artist appear in a remarkably similar large canvas format to this approximately 69 × 99 cm work.

The attribution has not been independently authenticated and no certificate of authenticity accompanies the painting. It is therefore offered as attributed to Hans Richter-Johannsen, with photographs of the signature and reverse provided for examination.

The painting is housed in a substantial ornate gilt frame with raised floral and foliate ornament. Its warm aged surface complements the muted ochres, greens, blues and creams of the market scene and gives the piece considerable architectural presence.

The reverse retains an older Morristown Picture Frame & Glass Co., 5 Elm St., Morristown, New Jersey custom-framing label as well as a later Dennis Auction Service label. These document elements of the object’s later framing and ownership history but are not presented as artist provenance.

At approximately 45.5 × 33.5 inches framed, this is an unusually substantial original painting. From across a room it reads as an expansive old European market; up close, the individual merchants, shoppers, architecture and market stalls make it a scene worth exploring. See less