This is a gorgeous and fine RARE Antique 19th c. Colorado Plein Air Landscape Oil Painting on canvas, by historically significant Fayetteville, Arkansas painter and founding member of the Reconstruction Era Ladies of the Southern Memorial Association, Vitella Jackson Crose (d. 1912.) This artwork depicts a beautifully rendered Colorado landscape scene, depicting grazing animals, a calm lakeside scene, and the majestic Rocky Mountains in the distance. This artwork likely dates to the 1880's - 1890's and is mounted in a beautiful and intricately detailed 19th century gilded frame. Signed: "Vitella J. Crose" in the lower left corner. During her lifetime, this early Southern female plein air Impressionist painter was quite renowned, with orders for her work ranging from New York to California. Approximately 29 3/4 x 42 1/4 inches (including frame.) Actual artwork is approximately 24 x 36 inches. Very good condition for well over a century of age, with a few light scuffs, and pinhole tears to the canvas. Additionally, there is moderate scuffing and edge wear to the original period frame. Crose's works are very scarce, and this is the first to ever be publicly offered for sale. Acquired from an old collection in Pasadena, California. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks!
About the Artist:
A few days before the Confederate Cemetery was dedicated, Judge David Walker requested a list of women who were members of the Southern Memorial Association. Its secretary, Miss Sallie Davidson, compiled a list of 46 women who were members on June 8, 1873.
VITELLA JACKSON CROSE (died in 1912): Vitella Jackson married Isaac Crose in 1877. She died in Denver, Colorado in 1912. Vitella became widely known from her work as a landscape painter in oil, receiving orders for her work from New York to California. She was the daughter of Cortes Jackson, brother of Columbus Jackson, who married another founding member of the Southern Memorial Association, Virginia Jackson. Both Cortes and his brother Columbus were engaged in the mercantile business in Fayetteville.