{"product_id":"mathias-j-alten-original-vintage-fountain-of-the-sinne-alsace-autumn-landscape-riquewihr-germany-american-impressionist-oil-painting","title":"Mathias J Alten Original Vintage Fountain de la Sinne Alsace France Autumn Landscape American Impressionist Oil Painting","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal, vintage antique oil on canvas, impressionist autumn landscape oil painting of the Fountain of the Sinne, (Fountain de la Sinne), also known as the Fountain of Gauging in the heart of Riquewihr in the the Alsace region of France, by German- American Impressionist and \"Dean of Michigan Painters\", Mathias Joseph Alten, (1871-1938). This fountain was built in 1560 and was used by winemakers to measure and clean their barrels and other containers.The location, in the center of the town of Riquewihr, France, is known for its medieval architecture and historical landmarks.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    The lighting and sun- dappled effects are superb in this painting. The painting is large, remains housed in the original early vintage frame, is in very good condition, and measures approximately 23.70\" x 27.70\", sans frame. In the original vintage frame, the painting, including the frame, measures approximately 30 1\/2\" x 34 3\/8\".  The painting is signed in the lower center and lower left, and is estimated to have been created in approximately 1936.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Mathias Joseph Alten was a German born, American impressionist painter, known as the \"Dean of Michigan Painters\". He immigrated to the United States in 1889, settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he established his home and studio, for the remainder of his career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Born in Gusenburg, Germany in 1871, Alten apprenticed as a decorative painter and paperhanger. From 1885 to 1888, he worked on decorating churches and theaters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    At age 17, Mathias Alten's family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, a major furniture- manufacturing center. He worked as a furniture decorator, before gaining local recognition for his artistic talents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    With the help of wealthy patrons, Alten traveled to Europe to further his training. He studied at the orestigious Academie Julian and the Academie Colarossi in Paris, where he won a gold medal for figure drawing. He was also influenced by the Hague School of Dutch painters, and spent a year working in the Netherlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Initially influenced by the Barbizon and Hague Schools, Alten later embraced the Impressionist style. His paintings incorporated impressionist techniques to infuse light and life into his work, using deft brushwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Over his career, Alten produced over 3,000 works, including landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and floral still- life paintings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    While he traveled extensively, Alten remained deeply connected to the landscapes of rural Michigan, where he frequently featured his paintings. He also painted scenes from his travels, such as coastal life in the Netherlands and California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Alten's work was exhibited at major institutions during his lifetime, including the National Academy in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Detroit Institute of Art. He received national recognition, and was an invited member of the Society of Western Artists and the National Arts Club.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Mathias Alten is remembered as one of Grand Rapids' most esteemed figures, and his former home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grand Valley State University maintains the largest public collection of Alten's art, and is dedicated to preserving his legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e    Paintings by Mathias Joseph Alten can be found in several museum collections, mainly in Michigan, including Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Dennos Museum Center, Everson Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Archives of American Art in Washington, D.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacificfineart@gmail.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e424-259-3290\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pacific Fine Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45334664413372,"sku":null,"price":11999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0101\/9550\/1153\/files\/20251019_125309.jpg?v=1760912849","url":"https:\/\/pacific-fine-art.com\/products\/mathias-j-alten-original-vintage-fountain-of-the-sinne-alsace-autumn-landscape-riquewihr-germany-american-impressionist-oil-painting","provider":"Pacific Fine Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}