William Louis Sonntag

Canvas is lined. SURFACE: in good condition UNDER ULTRA VIOLET: a horizontal repaired tear at lower right (starts at right edge, almost at the corner)--another two repaired tears, each about 2 1/2 in. long at lower center; aside from this, scattered lines of craquelure fill-in, mostly in sky
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.

Professor William Gerdts writes, "William Louis Sonntag, like his fellow American landscape painters, Thomas Cole and Albert Bierstadt, found his greatest inspiration in the untamed landscape of his native country.  This splendid work, inspired by the imposing landscape that Sonntag encountered during one of his journeys along the Ohio River, is reminiscent of the great tradition of the Hudson River School, with its panoramic skies, majestic peaks and misty, reflecting waters.  With softly nuanced colors and masterful use of light and shadow, Sonntag created an evocative twilight scene of mountains along the water, imbued with a serentiy that complements the majesty of the landscape...."

"Sonntag was always a wanderer in the lesser known, picturesque areas of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, along the Kanauba, Potomac and Ohio Rivers.  The works that resulted from these journeys, such as Mountain Scene on the Ohio River, are generally considered his most inspired.  His artistic model was Thomas Cole; both artists were raised in the Midwest, a generation apart and traveled many of the same routes in search of landscape subjects; both share a Romantic spirit, devoted especially to wilderness with little or no evidence of man's intrusion.  Sonntag's obvious affection for uncultivated nature was exceptional among his peers because he sustained it for nearly 50 years, long after the sentiment seemed quaint in industrial America."