52

JULIAN ALDEN WEIR
American, (1852-1919)
Rhododendrons, ca. 1900
oil on canvas
signed lower left "J. Alden Weir"

oil on canvas
20 x 24 inches

  • Provenance: Property from a distinguished American collection.
  • Exhibited: Orlando, Florida, Orlando Museum of Art, "Hidden Treasures: American Paintings from Florida Private Collections," January 4 - February 23, 1992.
  • Literature: Nicolai Cikovsky, Jr., "A Connecticut Place: Weir Farm, An American Painter's Rural Retreat," (Weir Farm Trust, 2000), p. 109, fig. 94 (illustrated).; Josiah B. Millet (ed.), "Julian Alden Weir: An Appreciation of his Life and Works," (New York, New York: The Century Club, 1921), p. 135. (Lists "Rhododendrons," 20 x 24 inches, in the collection of R.C. and N.M. Vose. This is probably the present lot.)

    Framed dimensions: 29 x 33 x 2 1/2 inches


    Julian Alden Weir was the son of historical painter Robert W. Weir, who served as the drawing instructor at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York for over forty years. Although many of the Weir family were painters, J. Alden unquestionably established the career of most renown.

    Weir originally studied painting under his father and then studied at the National Academy of Design in New York before traveling to Paris to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1873. He returned to the United States late in 1877 and began teaching classes at the Cooper Institute and the Art Students League in New York.

    In the 1880s Weir moved to rural Wilton, Connecticut, after having acquired farm property, now the Weir Farm National Historic Site, through his marriage to Anna Baker in 1883. While there, he strengthened his friendship with artists Albert Pinkham Ryder and John Henry Twachtman. The paintings of Weir and Twachtman are especially well aligned, and the two sometimes painted and exhibited together. Both taught at the Art Students League. In 1889, the two artists exhibited and sold a large portion of their paintings at Ortgies Gallery in New York.[5]

    Around 1890 Weir began adopting an Impressionist style, which suited his growing interest in painting landscapes. He continued to gain further notoriety and in 1893, the American Art Association grouped his works together with those by Twachtman for a comparative exhibit with pieces done by Claude Monet and Paul Besnard. Such a prestigious event meant that the art world had taken notice of the American brand of Impressionism.

    He was soon considered to be a leading member of the new Impressionist group of painters emerging in America at that time. In 1898, along with Twachtman, he became one of the founding members of The Ten, a group including Willard Metcalf, Childe Hassam, Edmund Tarbell and Thomas Dewing. The group exhibited together and rebelled against what they regarded as mediocrity and conservatism in American Art.

    Rhododendrons is a prime example of Weir's ability to use color, light and shadows to create an exceptional example of American Impressionism at its best.



    Tags: listed artist, oil painting, floral, landscape, 20th century, American Impressionism, Connecticut, the Ten
  • Condition: in overall very good condition; very minor restoration apparent under UV light; lined canvas; in a period frame
    Condition Report Note:
    We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. Thank you for your interest in our sale.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral
for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at [email protected] or 203-453-8866.
Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk
of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the
items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the
responsibility of the buyer.

April 28, 2022 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US

Shannon's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000