(Frankfurt am Main 1789–1872 Vienna)
“Torbole am Gardasee”, old inscription on the reverse, signed J. Alt, oil on canvas, 44.5 x 56.5 cm, framed, (Rei)

We are grateful to Dr Maria Luise Sternath for the scientific assistance.

Provenance:
Collection Wendlinger, Vienna;
Their sale, Dorotheum Vienna, June 2nd, 1924, lot 32;
Private collection Vienna

Jakob Alt trained in landscape and miniature painting in Frankfurt, then moved to Vienna in 1810, where he lived following his marriage. His images of the Danube Monarchy, and of the Alps, secured both a widespread good reputation and a stable income for him and his son Rudolf, who assisted him with these works. The father and son duo also travelled to Italy together, taking in Vicenza, Verona, Venice and Trento. This work borrows from the lithographs created by Jakob Alt which depicted views of Lake Garda. The construction of the image, and the colours of the sheets created after 1830, are similar to this painting. Despite the slightly choppy waters, the scenery in the painting exudes peacefulness. The viewer’s gaze moves from the figures in the foreground, along the sea, and up to the mountains in the background. Alt liked to create a scene that appeared almost intimate, and he enjoyed capturing the typical southern light in an atmospheric way.

We are grateful to Dr Maria Luise Sternath for the scientific assistance.

Provenance:
Private Collection Austria.

Jakob Alt trained in landscape and miniature painting in Frankfurt, then moved to Vienna in 1810, where he lived following his marriage. His images of the Danube Monarchy, and of the Alps, secured both a widespread good reputation and a stable income for him and his son Rudolf, who assisted him with these works. The father and son duo also travelled to Italy together, taking in Vicenza, Verona, Venice and Trento. This work borrows from the lithographs created by Jakob Alt which depicted views of Lake Garda. The construction of the image, and the colours of the sheets created after 1830, are similar to this painting. Despite the slightly choppy waters, the scenery in the painting exudes peacefulness. The viewer’s gaze moves from the figures in the foreground, along the sea, and up to the mountains in the background. Alt liked to create a scene that appeared almost intimate, and he enjoyed capturing the typical southern light in an atmospheric way.