Dutch or Flemish Winter Scene in Gilt Frame (19th Century)

This beautiful small painting of a Dutch or Flemish winter landscape was auctioned off from an estate in Davenport, Iowa in the 1950's. The painting was one of a pair of oil paintings that had decades of grime on them, and the purchaser, my grandmother, bought the blackened paintings for their gilt frames, having no idea of what lay underneath the years of grime and coal dust.

After she had disposed of one of the canvases, she thought to take some soap and water to see what the just to see what was under the darkened canvas. Imagine her surprise to find this beautiful winter scene. While upset about the demise of the other painting, she had the remaining one restored locally.

We estimate that this is the sort of genre painting, often found in pairs, that American travelers to Europe would like to bring home as souvenirs of their travels. The paint pigments and nostalgic architecture of the country buildings, including thatched roofs, make us believe it is Dutch or Flemish in origin.

The painting is about 12 inches wide and 8 inches tall. It is in a beautiful but worn gilt frame.

We have enjoyed its placement in various rooms over the years, including our Dining Room, Library, and Living Room.