The artist has signed his work, front and back, and is "Walter Steinhart". He dated it, as well, 1889. This is one of my favorites, among a number of my collection of "Nature Morte", or still life paintings which give thanks for the bounty of nature, which has provided yet one more meal. Painted in oil on 1/2" thick beveled board, these were usually hung without frame (you see holes for the insert of a nail on a simple wall), and I see no evidence this one has ever been framed. I love the inclusion of the small birds, yet to be plucked and cooked. Some might think these are sad - dead birds or animals. But in fact they are reverent visual prayers of thankfulness of simple lives, lived rather bare. One more meal. One more day. Gratitude for nature's bounty. The painting is beautifully done, and yet I was unable to easily find this artist. The palette of colors is as reverent and beautiful as is the subject. The painting, like most of these, is modest in size, 13 1/2" x 10", such that it will fit on a shelf or bookcase, or leaning against backsplash in your kitchen. They were kitchen paintings to start. Humble! Found in France. Steinhart leans to German heritage, of course.
Very good condition for age and type. The painting displays beautifully! Upon close inspection, one sees the board upon which it's painted has been dropped, and visible from the back, a corner has chipped. Interestingly, it would appear that the board was painted after that damage - a cast off from some other artist's supply, perhaps. All the more humble. You can see a little disturbance or flaw from front side of the painting, but the paint actually fills it, so it was there when painted, a choice by this artist. Great detail to the 2 small birds, the fruit. Superb composition and palette!
