Art, Gold & Silver, Primitives & Rare Books
Lot 348:
Description
Large original oil on canvas by Jackson, Michigan artist Henry Schafer depicting a dramatic architectural scene of European cathedral rooftops rendered in warm earth tones against a cool blue sky. One of the most striking elements of the composition is Schafer’s imaginative treatment of the sky, where hundreds of tiny white human figures are painted in flowing bands that resemble smoke or clouds drifting in the wind, creating a powerful symbolic and visual effect. The buildings are loosely sketched with expressive line work and washes of burnt sienna and ochre, emphasizing form and movement rather than strict realism. The canvas measures approximately 30 x 24 inches and remains on its original Nicoli-Bilti stretcher marked Glendale, N.Y. This painting comes from the estate of Jackson artist Henry Schafer, a World War II veteran who served in Italy with the 13th Armored Division before studying at the Art Institute of Chicago. Schafer’s works were widely displayed and sold through the family business, Schafer’s Cleaners in downtown Jackson, Michigan, operating since 1898, with additional pieces historically handled through Detroit auction house DuMouchelles.
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