62

THOMAS MORAN

American, 1837-1926

East Hampton, 1890

oil on canvas
signed and dated lower right "T Moran 1890"
16 x 14 in. (40.6 x 35.6 cm.), Frame: 27 x 25 x 5 in. (68.6 x 63.5 x 12.7 cm.)

  • Provenance: Godel & Co. Inc., New York, New York; Private Collection, New York
  • Notes: Thomas Moran immigrated with his family from England to Philadelphia in 1844. He attended public school and in 1853 apprenticed to a wood engraver. The four Moran brothers all became artists and Thomas worked in his older brother, Edward's, studio. Edward had already begun to establish himself as a marine painter. Of the four, Thomas Moran became the most successful and is today recognized as one of the preeminent painters of the American Landscape. In 1861, captivated by the work of J.M.W. Turner that they had seen in prints, the two brothers, Edward and Thomas, traveled to London where they spent several months studying and copying Turner's works on view at the National Gallery. This trip and Turner's influence would be evident in much of Thomas Moran's subsequent work. In 1871, Scribner's Magazine hired him to rework some sketches of Yellowstone made by another artist. Moran decided to visit Yellowstone himself and the trip generated numerous paintings and commissions. Inspired by the landscape he completed a 7 x 12 foot painting, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, that later sold to Congress shortly after the land was designated as a National Park. Following this success, he created another canvas, Chasm of the Colorado, also sold to Congress and matching the impressive scale of the previous painting. In 1884, together with his wife, Mary Nimmo, Moran built a Victorian cottage in East Hampton, New York. The house served as his primary residence from 1884 until 1926. He often painted the East Hampton landscape, as in the present lot, where the influence of Turner is evident. Moran returned to Europe, following in the footsteps of Turner and visiting places where his idol had painted. Captivated by Venice, Moran first visited in 1886 and returned again in 1890 and 1911. The paintings he created of the picturesque Italian city are sublime, luminous views reminiscent of Turner. In 1883 Moran visited Mexico and traveled throughout the American Southwest and the Grand Canyon. At the age of 87 he made his last trip to Yellowstone, two years before his death. After his death he was memorialized as the "Dean of American Landscape Painters."
  • Condition: in very good overall condition; lined canvas; has a well repaired 2" horizontal tear in the lower center

    CONDITION REPORTS FOR THE AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A CONDITION REPORT ON THIS LOT. THE ABSENCE OF A CONDITION REPORT OR THE ABSENCE OF A REFERENCE TO DAMAGE DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE LOT IS IN GOOD CONDITION OR FREE FROM RESTORATION OR REPAIR.

    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. 
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