Arthur Frank Mathews Original Vintage California Plein Air Tonalism American Arts & Crafts Landscape Oil Painting
Arthur Mathews (1860-1945) beautiful original vintage California plein air tonalism with an impressionism landscape with golden elm trees. Signed lower center, with a date of 1934 and a partial title, "Elms".
Arthur F. Mathews (1860–1945)
California Tonalism Landscape of a Clearing with Golden Elm Trees
Oil on canvas, approximately 9.8" x 14.3
1934
This exquisite landscape exemplifies Arthur F. Mathews’ mastery of the Tonalist aesthetic, a style defined by its subtle gradations of light, atmosphere, and mood. Renowned as one of the founders of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, Mathews often captured the serene and poetic beauty of California's natural landscapes.
In this landscape, Mathews employs a harmonious palette of muted earth tones, highlighted by bursts of golden foliage that gently contrast against a tranquil blue sky. The composition showcases his ability to blend realism with a sense of ethereal, almost symbolic quietude, evoking the timeless quality of the California countryside. The soft interplay of light and shadow across the canvas, a hallmark of his Tonalist works, imbues the scene with depth and intimacy.
Paintings of this scale reflect Mathews’ meditative approach to smaller-format works, often created in tandem with his monumental murals and larger canvases. This piece resonates with his broader artistic philosophy, wherein nature and art converge to inspire a sense of balance and introspection.
A rare example of Mathews’ oeuvre, this painting highlights his influence on early 20th-century American art and his role in shaping the California Decorative Style. Works such as this, with their nuanced tonal harmony and exceptional craftsmanship, are highly sought by collectors and institutions alike.
The oil painting is signed on the lower left and along the bottom edge with the date (1934). It is an oil on canvas that measures approximately 9.8" x 14.3". The artist's original technique is light and almost sheer in portions of the painting and appears as if there may be some paint loss, which is a possibility. Please review all images for condition, accordingly.
Arthur F. Mathews: A Visionary in American Art and the Arts and Crafts Movement
Arthur F. Mathews (1860–1945) was an American artist, architect, educator, and designer, celebrated as a founder of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and a master of Tonalist painting. His artistic and cultural contributions, alongside those of his wife and collaborator Lucia Kleinhans Mathews, were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Californian art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mathews was born in Markesan, Wisconsin, and moved with his family to San Francisco in 1866. His father, Julius Mathews, a prominent architect, instilled in him a foundation in design and architecture. Arthur later refined his artistic skills at the California School of Design, studying under Virgil Macey Williams, before traveling to Paris to attend the Académie Julian (1885–1889). There, he absorbed the academic rigor of Gustave Boulanger and Jules Lefebvre, the tonal subtleties of James Abbott McNeill Whistler, and the evocative symbolism of Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. This combination of influences shaped his distinct style, blending classical techniques with modernist tones and symbolic narratives.
Returning to San Francisco, Mathews became a leading educator, teaching at and later directing the California School of Design. He was a staunch advocate for female artists, challenging prevailing biases by publicly defending their artistic merit. After the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Mathews and Lucia established The Furniture Shop, where they pioneered the California Decorative Style—an aesthetic blending fine arts with craftsmanship. Together, they designed intricate furniture, murals, stained glass, and decorative objects, seamlessly merging artistry with functionality.
Mathews' influence extended beyond his work. He mentored a generation of artists, including Granville Redmond, Xavier Martinez, Maynard Dixon, and Ralph Stackpole, who became significant figures in American art. His collaboration with entrepreneur John Zeile also led to the founding of Philopolis Press, promoting Arts and Crafts ideals during the city’s reconstruction.
Mathews' legacy endures through his artistic innovations, the achievements of his students, and his role in elevating California's cultural profile during a transformative era. His work is prominently displayed in major museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Oakland Museum of California, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art, ensuring his influence remains a vital part of American art history.
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