Original Painting titled “Aspens in Autumn”

"Aspens in Autumn": A Vivid Portrayal of New Mexico's Landscape by Carl Von Hassler

"Aspens in Autumn" is an exquisite painting by Carl Von Hassler, a German artist who relocated to New Mexico in the 1920s and subsequently rose to prominence as one of Albuquerque's most distinguished artists. With a keen eye for the landscapes and architecture of New Mexico, Von Hassler masterfully brought them to life on canvas.

The painting captures a specific location, as indicated by the handwritten text on the verso: "Truchas Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, N.M." Truchas Peak, nestled in the Pecos Wilderness near Santa Fe, holds the distinction of being New Mexico's second highest mountain. Instead of depicting the entire mountain, Von Hassler chose to focus on a tranquil corner of the region, beautifully highlighting the vibrant beauty of aspen trees in the fall.

The foreground of the painting features large rocks and four striking orange trees, rising from the hillside that diagonally traverses the image. Further into the background, the aspens merge into a dreamy wash of yellow, a fitting representation given that aspen trees often form large clonal colonies, interconnected by their root systems. A cluster of darker trees on the right side of the image provides a pleasing contrast to the soft yellow aspens. The distant view reveals a cloudy sky and a few snow-capped mountaintops.

This brilliantly composed and skillfully executed painting is a testament to Von Hassler's artistic prowess and is sure to captivate anyone with an appreciation for Southwestern imagery.

The painting is signed Von Hassler in lower left. The title, the artist's name, an original price of $500, a note identifying the region depicted, and the number 38 are written on verso, along with several notes on awards and framing/varnish work. We assume that the number 38 dates the piece to 1938. The painting is framed beautifully in a carved frame, with a protective backing that leaves the text on verso visible.

Carl Von Hassler (1887-1969) was born March 18, 1887, to a Dutch father and a French mother on a train in Germany. Von Hassler moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in the early 1920s. He was known as the "Dean of the Albuquerque Art Colony." Born in Bremen, Germany, Von Hassler attended the Dusseldorf Art Academy. When he came to the United States, he lived for a while in Greenwich Village in New York and was a member of the famed group of painters who called themselves the "Greenwich Ash Can Group." In his early years in Albuquerque, Von Hassler's studio was in the original Casa de Armijo (now La Placita Restaurant) in Old Town. He was best known for his traditional realistic landscapes of New Mexico and his Indian portraits.

Von Hassler spent almost half of his 47 years here developing a new painting technique that caused a stir in art circles. "I invented it myself," the artist said. "It is known to no one else." His paintings had an almost ceramic quality with colors that did not fade. He baked the paintings at up to 600 degrees. He also developed what he described as an "atomic substance," which he painted on to withstand the heat. It made his paintings fire and heat resistant. Those who knew him had doubts about his statements. His works are now collector's items, and many prominent Albuquerqueans own his paintings. He taught privately, and, among his better-known former pupils are Sam Smith, Ben Turner, Walter Bambrook, Novella King, and Betty Sabo. Von Hassler died in Albuquerque on November 30, 1969, at the age of 83.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Original Painting titled "Aspens in Autumn" is from the estate of a family from Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Paintings of the Southwest by Arnold Skolnick

TAGS: Western Paintings, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sam Smith, Ben Turner, Walter Bambrook, Novella King, Betty Sabo, Carl Von Hassler