Wilhelm Feldmann (1859-1932), Forest Landscape Bathed In Sunlight, C. 1900

Wilhelm Feldmann (1859 Lüneburg - 1932 Lübeck), Sunny forest landscape, c. 1900. Oil on canvas, marouflaged on wood, 37 cm x 48 cm (inside dimensions), 42.5 cm x 53.5 cm (frame), signed “Wilh.[elm] Feldmann.” lower left. Framed.
- Sporadically stained in the right area, small losses of color above the signature, otherwise in good condition for its age



- The Monumentality of the Forest -


In contrast to French Impressionism, which used a very similar brushwork technique, Wilhelm Feldmann models a forest landscape with impasto brushstrokes dominated by dark tones. The treetops form a green-black wall in the background, but the light blue sky breaks through. Light is also falling into the forest from above, while the meadow where we are walking is interspersed with bright patches of light. Because of the dark colors, the sunlight is able to shine particularly brightly. The resulting contrast between light and dark makes the gloomy tree we are approaching look like a heroic natural monument, merging with the other trees to form a carpet of color that dominates the picture.
With this painting, Wilhelm Feldmann proved to be a master student of Eugen Bracht, with whom he had studied in Berlin.



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.