California Grapeleaves In Fall 1890
Description
Meyer Straus (1831-1905)
Oil on canvas on board
Size: 21 3/8" X 12 7/8"
Signed, lower right, M Straus, 1890
A rare wonderful oil study of autumn grape leafs by well known early California artist, Meyer Straus. The painting is in excellent condition having been recently professionally cleaned. The painting shows no signs of repairs other than a few small areas of touchup on the upper left corner.
Bavarian born artist Meyer Straus came to the U.S. at age 17. Moving from Ohio to St Louis, Mo. he became a scene painter at the Old Pine Theater. Later he moved to Chicago via Mobile, Al. and New Orleans and painted scenery at Hooley's Theater. In 1872, Straus settled in San Francisco where he painted scenery for the Bush Street Theater and The Grand Opera House. In 1877 he devoted himself full time to easel painting becoming well known for his Northwest landscape paintings. Although rare, he was know to have done a few still life paintings of which this is a wonderful example.
The subject of autumn grapes should be of particular interest to those living in the wine country of California or anyone that lives in any area where wine grapes are grown.
