JOSEPH RUSLING MEEKER (American, 1827-1887)

Luminist landscape painter Joseph Rusling Meeker is known for his panoramic views of Louisiana bayous and detailed depictions of moss laden cypress trees.  Enamored of this subject matter, he liked to paint similar views, albeit with different atmospheric effects of light and sky.  The work offered here is a sublime example of a Meeker landscape with the atmospheric sky reflected on the water.  The placid bayou is dotted by waterlilies and framed by the tree line on the horizon.  This bayou landscape represents Meeker at his finest, with a luminous sky of breathtaking color, fine brushwork and a depiction of the natural world that seemingly places the viewer in the scene.  Retaining an original unlined canvas, this painting would be a fine addition to any collection.

Near Lake Maurepas, 1877

oil on canvas, signed lower left, monogrammed, titled and dated en verso, 14 ½ x 20 in., gilt frame.