Albert Bierstadt attracted by the West

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

In the mid-nineteenth century, the North American continent was still largely to be explored. The government sent military missions to the West to discover the territory and ensure the safety of roads.

One of these expeditions, in 1859, was led by Frederick W. Lander. He was accompanied by a photographer aged 29 years, Albert Bierstadt. Having become a painter, Albert Bierstadt often worked from photographs, while his brother Charles became a leading photographer of Niagara Falls.

The Lander road is part of the Oregon trail, a complex set of carriage tracks that enabled immigrants to reach the Pacific coast. Bierstadt treated on this subject in a realistic style for the picture, and heroic style for the topic.

Christie's offers for sale on May 20 in New York a night scene on the Oregon Trail. The scenery with big trees is illuminated by the campfire, while pioneers are doing their evening activities. As true as the original, their large wagon is lighted by the moon.

This unusual oil on canvas, 76 x 112 cm, will appeal to fans of the Far West. It is estimated $ 2 million. It is undated, but works similarly inspired were executed between 1863 and 1871.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Times are hard, even for those typically American scenes: Oregon Trail has been sold, but far below the estimate: result is $ 1.76 million including costs.

This sale will be reminded, however, with the excellent result recorded on the painting by Milton Avery that was chosen for the cover of the catalog: $ 2.2 million including expenses, on an estimate of 600 K $. It shows two artists drawing on seaside.