Adolph Robert Shulz 1869-1963
Brown County Barn
Oil on Canvas
18 x 24 inches
Signed Lower Right
This work was featured in our 2nd Annual Curated Sale of Historic Indiana Art, April 8th, 2018 at the Indianapolis Art Center. This painting was featured in our weekly email on 12/15/17 along with the following gallery comments: Adolph Shulz was originally from Delevan, WI and was associated with Chicago artists at the turn of the 20th century. He was also one of the first artists to ‘adopt’ Brown County as fertile painting grounds. Shulz and his very gifted artist-wife, Ada began visiting Brown County in the early 1900s, returning continuously until they moved there permanently in 1917. He enjoyed a long career and life in the Brown County hills. Shulz was and is one of the most sought after painters to have been associated with Nashville. As an artist, he was in love with the unvarnished, naturalized landscape and this often informs the subjects of his work. For instance, rather than a barn or farmstead as a subject, Shulz featured something more indigenous, like a majestic sycamore. Today’s example, Brown County Barn (our title) deviates from the unadorned subject matter and features a local barn (that’s seen better days, like so many then and now!). Though Shulz apparently never considered the notion, this ‘hand-of-man’ effect on the subject matter resonates with collectors of today. It speaks to both the natural landscape and the humanity of the subject. People simply identify better when humanity’s work is also on display. Like all Shulz’ work, it has a very airy, luminous feel. Part of that reflects the time of day with the sun setting and providing all those high-key orange tones. It’s housed in a hand-carved frame that’s surely original to the piece (and very nicely done). Based on the frame and the signature style, I’d estimate the date of creation for this painting to be c. 1925. The painting was cleaned and conserved and is in very good condition for the age with no in-painting. The frame was de-oxidized and the original leaf finish (with much of the red clay showing) looks rustic and beautiful. The frame could be re-leafed and brought to more dazzling effect. Personallly, I like the rustic look of the original finish. Brown County Barn would feature beautifully in any Indiana art collection.
SOLD
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