7142 - Altenkirch, Otto

Altenkirch, Otto Forest Path Oil on canvas. 1943. 85 x 67 cm. Signed lower left (scratched into the wet paint) “Otto Altenkirch”; on the reverse of the stretcher, dated and labeled in pencil—partly difficult to read—as “1943-20 (...)” and “ph 29.8.43.” Probably Petrasch 1943-20. The short, vibrating brushstrokes with impasto application not only beautifully capture the movement in the lush foliage of the trees but also reveal Altenkirch’s affinity for Impressionism. In this compelling depiction of the sunlit late-summer scene, one can observe his intense engagement with nature and the seasons. Furthermore, the charming composition and the wonderfully harmonious color scheme of the varied browns and greens reflect his skill in the field of decorative painting. As a freelance artist, he initially settled in Dresden and joined the Dresden artists’ group “Die Elbier,” which had formed around Gotthardt Kuehl and was dedicated to Impressionism. Shortly thereafter, he helped found the Dresden Artists’ Association. Of the approximately 2,000 paintings Altenkirch created, only about 200 remain today due to losses during the war. Provenance: Private collection, Saxony - Please request condition reports for the lots, as the condition is usually not listed in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.