Theodore Clement Steele Original Antique California Plein Air Impressionism Landscape Oil Painting
Original vintage California impressionism landscape oil painting by California and Hoosier Indiana School American artist, Theodore Clement Steele, (1847-1926). The painting alone measures approximately 11.6" X 7", plus the original antique-era frame. The painting is a lovely landscape by the artist, signed in the lower right corner, with annotations in the left corner. The painting is in excellent original condition and is estimated to have been painted in approximately 1895.
Theodore Clement Steele (1847–1926)
Theodore Clement Steele was an American Impressionist painter and a leading figure in the Hoosier Group, a collective of artists renowned for their depictions of the Indiana countryside. Born on September 11, 1847, in Owen County, Indiana, Steele's early life was marked by a passion for art and a natural connection to the rural landscapes that would later inspire his career.
Steele attended the Waveland Collegiate Institute, where his artistic abilities became evident. Determined to pursue painting, he trained formally at the Royal Academy of Munich (1880–1885), where he refined his technique in figure painting and realism. Upon returning to Indiana, Steele embraced plein air painting—a style of painting outdoors that captures the transient effects of light and atmosphere.
As a member of the Hoosier Group, Steele played a pivotal role in establishing Indiana as a center of American Impressionism. His work reflects a deep love of nature, characterized by soft brushstrokes, vibrant color palettes, and an emphasis on natural light. He became famous for his Indiana landscapes, capturing the changing seasons, rural fields, wooded areas, and rolling hills.
Steele’s works often convey an emotional connection to the land, blending realism with the light-infused techniques of French Impressionism. He exhibited widely across the United States and became an influential figure in Midwest art, earning accolades as Indiana's most celebrated landscape painter.
In his later years, Steele settled in Brown County, Indiana, where he established a studio at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville. Brown County’s scenic beauty became a significant focus of his work. Steele’s dedication to capturing Indiana’s natural charm secured his legacy as a cultural treasure.
Steele passed away on July 24, 1926, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire artists and admirers of the Midwest landscape.
The provided landscape exemplifies Steele's talent for capturing the atmospheric qualities of rural settings. The piece highlights soft colors in the trees, distant hills, and sky, creating a serene, impressionistic mood. The brushwork is soft and blended. Gentle illumination of natural light and a landscape in Plein / open air bathes the landscape, creating depth and evoking a sense of calm. The hues of earth tones and soft greens are characteristic of Steele's works, conveying the richness of the land while remaining naturalistic. This work shares a similar softness in the brushwork but emphasizes vineyards and cultivated fields. The detailed depiction of light in the foreground mirrors the approach in this landscape. One of Steele’s most iconic paintings, this piece features vibrant autumn colors with more dynamic contrasts than seen here. However, both paintings capture the tranquility of Indiana’s countryside. Unlike the broader perspective in this painting, “Morning by the Stream” focuses on intimate water scenes. Yet, Steele’s use of reflection and shimmering light is present in both works.
This landscape aligns beautifully with Steele’s broader body of work, showcasing his mastery of light, atmosphere, and natural scenery. It epitomizes his ability to evoke peace and nostalgia through delicate brushwork and harmonious color. Steele’s landscapes remain a tribute to the beauty of Indiana’s countryside and a cornerstone of American Impressionism.
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