A stunning and moody 19th-century oil painting on canvas, signed and dated by the artist G. Ruab in 1892. This piece is a superb example of late 19th-century landscape art, capturing a serene riverside scene with a rich, subdued palette that conveys a sense of deep mood and atmosphere. The painting features a tranquil river or canal flowing under a classic stone arch bridge. On the far bank stands a striking red-roofed tower or chateau, nestled among a lush canopy of trees. The artist's use of visible, textured brushstrokes and a muted color palette—emphasizing earthy greens, browns, and soft grays—places this work firmly in the Tonalist tradition, which prioritized mood and shadow over detail. The painting’s quiet dignity and focus on the interplay of light and shadow make it a perfect representation of the movement's ideals.
The artist’s signature, "G. Ruab," and the year "92" are clearly visible, anchoring the work in the late 1800s Victorian era.
This painting presents with the character and patina expected of its age. The canvas shows a beautiful texture, and the surface has a rich, aged patina. Upon close inspection, it appears the painting has been re-stretched onto a more modern stretcher frame at some point in its history, a common preservation technique for antique works of this type. There is one small puncture visible above the chateau roof (see listing photos, which is typical of minor wear and tear for a piece over a century old. These signs of age and restoration tell a story of a piece that has been cared for and preserved through the years.
This unframed painting is a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of late 19th-century art. It would make a striking addition to a collection of antique art, or a unique decorative element in a study, library, or living room.
Measurements (approximate - rounded to the nearest quarter inch): 15.25 inches in height 12 inches wide 1 inch in depth
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VINTAGE & ANTIQUE Vintage and antique items are pre-owned and aged goods. In most cases, we do not clean or polish any items that come into our shop. Once you remove an item's traces of age and patina it's not something you can reverse, so we leave those activities up to the buyer. We try our best to describe items accurately and disclose any and all flaws and imperfections. Please refer to pictures as a visual description. We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase so, please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have prior to checkout.
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