Thaddeus Welch (American, 1844-1919), Oil on Canvas, Field Petaluma

A remarkably early naturalistic landscape by prominent California painter Thaddeus Welch. Dating to 1874, this oil on canvas features a narrative composition of 19th-century agrarian life, depicting two farmhands guiding a powerful team of four oxen as they plow a vibrant field overflowing with wildflowers. The foreground features a multi-figured vignette of frontier life, a woman, child, and a man rest peacefully together on the grass, accompanied by a dog running playfully nearby. Welch captures atmospheric depth in the sweeping, distant hills rising beneath a pale blue sky. Signed and dated in a distinctive orange-red pigment at the lower left: T. Welch 1874. The verso of the wooden stretcher bears a handwritten paper label reading, "Thaddeus Welch Field Petaluma Road Sonoma Looking East". The painting is housed in an ornate gilt frame with foliate and acorn molded motifs. Sight size: 19.75"W x 11.75"H. Dimensions: 23.5"W x 15.75"H Weight: 5. lbs Condition Request Condition Report Good.

Estimate:$500

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