Wilhelm Feldmann (1859-1932), Impressionist Autumn Landscape With Lake, C. 1905

Wilhelm Feldmann (1859 Lüneburg - 1932 Lübeck), Impressionist autumn landscape with lake, around 1905. Pastel on cardboard, 46 cm x 31 cm (inside dimension), 52 cm x 37 cm (frame), signed “Wilh.[elm] Feldmann.” lower left. Framed behind glass.
- In good overall condition



- Diffuse Concretion -


Wilhelm Feldmann depicts the autumn landscape as an atmospheric impression of color from which nature becomes concrete. The bare branches in the middle ground appear almost sharply contoured, and above them the turquoise firs stand out against the sky. The autumnal leaves on the left unfold the dynamics of a crescendo of color that, although they form natural structures, appear as an independent event, while the lake disappears into the atmosphere and at the same time takes shape out of the diffuse. This oscillation between dissolution and presence of the natural motifs feeds the mysterious mood of the picture, which is intensified by the colorfulness and painterly effect of the pastel chalks.



About the artist

After beginning his art studies at the Munich Academy in 1878, he transferred to the Karlsruhe Art Academy in 1883, where he studied under Gustav Schönleber. From 1886 to 1900 he studied at the Berlin Art Academy, where he attended the master class of Eugen Bracht. Hans Meyer taught him etching and lithography. After completing his studies, Feldmann worked as a freelance artist in Berlin. In 1905 he moved to Mölln, where he ran an art school for women, who were banned from attending academies until 1918. In 1913 he finally moved to Lübeck. Feldmann devoted himself primarily to landscape painting. His lyrical, atmospheric paintings were highly regarded, and he was one of the most sought-after landscape painters of his time.