Ferdinand Reichardt 1819-1895

Alexander Gallery, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above, 1994

Generally good condition; lined; under UV: two 1 inch repaired tears in the upper right sky and the lower left quadrant, respectively, a small spot of inpainting at the upper left corner, a thin line of inpainting along left edge, a thin horizontal line of inpainting to address craquelure from stretcher bar mark, a cluster of minor retouches in lower right, fine dots and dashes of inpainting to mountain at right.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ferdinand Reichardt, a native of Brede, Denmark, received his formal artistic training at the Royal Art Academy in Copenhagen. Reichardt earned a reputation for his architectural views and landscapes of castles and noble's manors, and included the royal family of Denmark among his patrons.  In 1855, William Vanderbilt commissioned Reichardt to paint Niagara Falls.  He traveled to the United States and created over one hundred views of the Niagara Falls over the course of four years, as well as other falls in the region. The present work depicts Montmorency Falls, which are located outside of Quebec City. The location was a favorite subject of nineteenth century artists. Reichardt's paintings of the falls, as well as other American sites such as the Mississippi River, Mammoth Cave, and Philadelphia, served as souvenirs for the leisure class. In 1859, the year after he painted The Falls, he exhibited several of his works at the National Academy of Design in their Gallery of Paintings of American Scenery.