Alameda River Below Mt. Tamalpais - Early 20th Century Landscape by Marius Schmidt

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Beautiful early 20th century landscape of the Alameda River below Mt. Tamalpais by Marius Schmidt (American, 1863-1938). Presented in a … Read more Beautiful early 20th century landscape of the Alameda River below Mt. Tamalpais by Marius Schmidt (American, 1863-1938). Presented in a giltwood frame. Signed "Marius Schmit" lower left. Image size, 14"H x 20"W.

Marius Schmidt was a resident of Oakland, California between 1909 and 1917.

Born Kolding, Denmark 1868, Marius Schmidt showed a natural affinity for art from his mother's family, and by the age of four was drawing with a natural facility. His father discouraged his artistic talents and when Marius was 12, his father sent him to live in the United States. His uncle appreciated and encouraged his ability and later sent him to Denmark to study under Jorgensen of Copenhagen and Moller, with whom he studied three years.

Upon returning to America, he settled in California where he painted "for many years the wildflowers and scenery of Northern and Southern California; the redwoods, desert, and many of our beautiful missions and gardens throughout the state. . . . Among his most famous and noted paintings are 'Capistrano Mission and Gardens' and 'Ramona's Marriage Place.' "



There are three distinct styles or periods of work. The first is 19th century European Realism; the Second is Impressionism. The third style is California Impressionism, where he adopts a more commercial style.

Paintings in the categories of the first two styles are signed Marius Schmidt, but after 1917, he moved to Southern California where his work is signed Marius Smith, a name change due to anti-German sentiment during World War 1.

Marius Schmidt was known to have lived and painted in the Laguna Beach area and passed away in 1938. Marius Schmidt was a resident of Oakland, California between 1909 and 1917. In both watercolor and oil, he painted coastal views, landscapes, and San Francisco bay area scenes. He exhibited at the San Francisco Art Association. (Edan Hughes, author of the book "Artists in California, 1786-1940", Crocker Museum) See less