Standing Cow in Landscape
Painting on canvas (likely canvas board or stretched canvas) • Osterhaus (likely Tom Osterhaus or similarly named contemporary American plein air artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Impressionism / Expressive Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil paint; executed with heavy impasto, expressive brushwork, and wet-on-wet (alla prima) technique
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12x12 inches or 14x14 inches; Square format
Subject Description
A single brown and white cow depicted in a standing pose, rendered with bold, gestural white highlights on its flank. The background is an abstracted landscape with autumnal tones.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the paint layer appears stable, though there is some slight surface dust accumulation and general wear to the frame.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500
Provenance History
Purchased from the artist or a contemporary gallery (noted as Osterhaus); likely private collection purchase.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of modern regionalism and the 'alla prima' animalier tradition, emphasizing light and texture over anatomical precision.
Notable Features
Signature 'OSTERHAUS' visible in the lower left corner; distinctive use of broad palette knife or large brush strokes to create high-contrast highlights.
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust; minor frame scuffing; no apparent cracking or loss to the impasto layers.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional; display away from direct sunlight; maintain stable humidity to prevent canvas tension changes.
Collector Notes
Bought Osturhaus