2023 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 2120 / 306  •  View Catalog  •   • 

21
Oscar Berninghaus (1874 – 1952)
Breaking Camp (ca. 1920)
oil on canvas
16 × 20 inches
21 × 25 × 1.75 inches (framed)
signed lower right

According to Mary Carroll Nelson, author of The Legendary Artists of Taos, “Taos and its environment are strongly sunlit, and different artists have reflected this in varied ways. Some stressed the brightness of the light, but Berninghaus captured another quality of light that is also often seen in Taos, a softened brightness that gives a pastel tone to the landscape.

“Another Berninghaus touch is a flickering stroke of short length, one that is controlled and evenly distributed, that gives a particular texture to his surfaces. The way he drew and painted with his brush was pleasingly ‘right’ and accurate. He would look upon a scene and find it paintable, then bring his considerable talent to bear on recreating it.”

PROVENANCE
The artist
James McKenna, ca. 1930
Present owner, by descent

21

Oscar Berninghaus

1874 – 1952

Breaking Camp (ca. 1920)
oil on canvas
16 × 20 inches
21 × 25 × 1.75 inches (framed)
signed lower right
Sold at Auction: $108,900
Condition ReportSurface is in excellent condition. Specks of inpainting in the sky and mountain.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.