$6,463
William Keith (American, 1838-1911) Landscape Signed "W. Keith S.F." l.l., inscribed "Leighton Collection" on a presentation plaque. Oil on canvas, 20 1/4 x 30 in. (51.4 x 76.2 cm), framed. Condition: Patch reinforcement u.r., retouch, surface grime. N.B. Born in 1838 in Aberdeen, Scotland, Keith immigrated to New York in 1850 where he apprenticed at the shop of a wood engraver. In 1856 he was employed by Harper's magazine and, on assignment, he first visited California. Keith eventually settled there, married Elizabeth Emerson and opened a studio for the exhibition of his works in 1864. Having been taught to paint by his wife, Keith began painting grand mountain panoramas, while also creating intimate landscapes in the manner of the French Barbizon movement. Keith also taught painting and printmaking, primarily to women, and became an immensely influential instructor. From 1871 to 1872 the Keiths lived in Boston where they shared a studio with William Hahn. It is at this time that Keith's work is recognized at the National Academy of Design. He later returned to California where he continued to create epic mountain views of extraordinary size.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2007-03-02
