Original Painting of Northern New Mexico Spring Scene with People [SOLD]

Carl Von Hassler was born in Germany, and as a result of seeing one of Buffalo Bill's Wild West shows he became fascinated with the American Southwest at an early age. After finishing study at the Düsseldorf Art Academy he moved to America in 1912. He lived in New York for a period of time where he was associated with the Ashcan Movement. He moved to New Mexico in 1922 after fighting in World War I with the US Army and settled in Albuquerque where he had a studio in Old Town.

His paintings reflect his passion for the landscapes and colors unique to the ever-changing seasons in New Mexico. One of his early achievements was his commission to paint nine large wall murals for the spectacular Kimo theatre in Albuquerque. These murals represent the mythical ‘Seven Cities of Gold’ that Francisco Coronado searched for in the early 1500s.

In this lovely piece Von Hassler celebrates the traditional time of nature's rebirth—springtime in Northern New Mexico. Fruit trees with delicate pink flowers and a willow tree with pale green leaves frame a traditional Northern New Mexican village with a small church and adobe dwellings. At the center of this image are three people. Although he was a talented portrait painter, people are rarely depicted in his landscapes. The colors are intense and convey the promise of spring. The entire village seems to radiate in the warm spring sunshine. A master of different techniques in achieving color, Von Hassler has created a tribute to the beauty and promise of springtime in New Mexico.

This painting is signed and dated 1923—only one year after his arrival to New Mexico. He was 36 years old when he recorded and portrayed this scene in oil paints.

Provenance: Exhibited at the “Santa Fe Tribute to Carl Von Hassler” June 2009 at adobe gallery santa fe.