KIRCHER, Alexander, (German/Austrian, 1867-1939): Graf Zeppelin Offshore, showing a Steam-Powered Sailing Vessel, Several Sailboats, and Snow-Capped Peaks in the Distance, Oil/Canvas, 28'' x 39'', signed lower right and dated 1931, carved and painted frame, 33'' x 44.5''. Kircher painted the Graf Zeppelin several times but this particular rendering is likely unaccounted for in the volume. It has been privately owned and displayed since the 1930s. John Bolten Sr., a German industrialist moved his family and businesses to the United States in 1927. He traveled via Zeppelin airship several times, conducting business between Europe and the United States. He purchased this painting in the mid to late 1930s. He had traveled on the Hindenburg in July and August of 1936 and purchased a ticket for his wife's mother to visit them in Massachusetts. The flight ended in disaster on May 6, 1937, but Marie Kleeman survived the accident and was picked up by her son-in-law, John Bolten Sr. the next day. This painting hung in Bolten Sr.'s home. He passed away in 1982 and in 1983 it was gifted by the family to his nephew, whom he'd sponsored to immigrate to the USA in 1955. His nephew then passed it on to his son. The painting has been in the Bolten family continuously for all that time and is now being offered by the original owner's great-nephew.

Needs cleaning, small abrasion in lower right corner with very minor loss, tack hole in lower right corner, frame has some wear and loss.