Franz Xaver Lang was a German 19th Century artist who was born in 1799. Franz Xaver Lang's work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from $229 (tiny size) to $2,904, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. Since 2019 the record price for this artist at auction is 2,904 USD for one about this size called "Children Playing in a School Yard". The painting we have is infinitely more interesting, in my opinion, and seems to be a dramatic removal of a family and their servants from their home, which appears in distance raging on fire. The painting is signed (very difficult to make out, dark against the dark bottom) but is also noted on a label on back which has been likely an exposition entry card, dated 1867. The Impressionist influence is very evident in this dramatic and complicated painting. The more I look at it, the more I'm in love with it. Soldiers escorting the old commander from the burning buildings in the distance as he and perhaps his daughter look back. What appear to be servants tend small children and carry bundles, and some soldiers have swords and spears upraised. I'm unsure if it has to do with French Revolution or other battles or revolutions. Painting on compressed board 24" x 18" x 1/4".
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. I find no flaws, really, no pain loss, which is owing to the plus of it having been painted on board rather than on canvas.
