Early Seattle Waterfront Impressionist Painting by Yngvar Sonnichsen 1873-1938

Description

A truly rare, quality painting of the Seattle waterfront's Pier 7, circa 1920's, signed lower left by noted Norwegian-American artist … more A truly rare, quality painting of the Seattle waterfront's Pier 7, circa 1920's, signed lower left by noted Norwegian-American artist YNGVAR SONNICHSEN (1873-1938). The oil on board work measures 18" by 24" (22 1/2" by 28 1/2" in an interesting Stanford White style frame). Written in an old hand on old label on the reverse is "PIER 7 SEATTLE 1925 or earlier". Note the fine impressionist flickering technique, which reminds of the kind of brushwork of French painter Gustave Loiseau or the "crushed jewel" color of American artist Ernest Lawson. Condition is excellent; light cleaning/fresh varnish would be beneficial. Sonnichsen was born in Oslo. He studied at the National School of Art and Design in 1894-1895, with Hans Heyerdahl, Oscar Wergeland, and John Ekenaes, and was acquainted with Edvard Munch. After further study in Antwerp, Brussels, and Paris (Academie Julian with Bouguereau and Constant) he headed to New Brunswick, Canada, and then, Vancouver, where he worked for a time in commercial art. In 1908 he moved to Seattle, winning medals shortly thereafter at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. During his Seattle years, Sonnichsen became an active member of the Norwegian-American community, painting murals, contributing articles on fine arts to Norwegian-American newspapers. He painted portraits of Ole Bull, composer Edvard Grieg, and polar explorer Roald Amundson. Sonnichsen became a naturalized American citizen in 1936, just two years before his death. Over the years, very few works have come to market. They are rare. The painting could grace a museum. less