Joseph Morviller (American, 1800-1870) Along the Riverbank

Signed 'J. Morviller' bottom right, oil on canvas
22 x 30 in. (55.9 x 76.2cm)

Provenance

Private Collection, Florida.
James D. Julia, Fairfield, sale of August 16, 2017, lot 1325 (as Picnic on the Hudson).
Acquired directly from the above sale.
Collection of Dr. Douglas S. Holsclaw, Jr., Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

The relined canvas in overall fair to good condition, with thin (stabilized) craquelure throughout. The work would benefit from a light cleaning, to remove the excessive glossy varnish, to balance the colors better and to remove the thin layer of dust throughout. Examination under UV light reveals a thick layer of old greenish varnish throughout, which makes it hard to inspect the painting. Yet, we can see some localized (relatively minor) inpainting across the horizon line of the painting (mostly in the foliage, but also in the upper parts of the water). Localized inpainting also visible at upper left corner in parts of the tree leaves and branches. Similar pattern opposite, in upper right corner, in the trees. Small repair at bottom left, on the side of the tree trunk that is cut down. Feathery retouch in the sky at upper center (inpainted craquelure mostly). Figures appear intact, although the thickness of the varnish, and the negative space around it, make it hard to confirm. See specialist's pictures taken under UV light for more details.
Frame: 30 3/4 x 38 1/4 x 3 in.