Donkey on a Coastal Cliff
Painting on canvas or panel • Anshelm Albert Schultzberg (Swedish, 1862–1945)
Style & Movement
19th Century Realism / Scandinavian Landscape School
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas (likely laid on board or panel); Academic Realism with fine brushwork and naturalistic blending in the sky.
Creation Period
Circa 1890
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale cabinet painting, horizontal landscape format, approximately 10 x 14 inches (excluding frame).
Subject Description
A solitary harnessed donkey stands atop a grassy, sunlit cliff overlooking a body of water under a soft, hazy sky. The composition utilizes a low-angle perspective to emphasize the elevation of the terrain. A small cross or maritime marker is visible in the background, suggesting a coastal European setting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; shows typical age-related patina and minor surface grime.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired in Europe or through an estate; the name provided by the owner 'Alberta spilt Berg' is a phonetic misspelling of the Swedish artist Albert Schultzberg.
Art Historical Significance
Schultzberg was a prominent Swedish landscape painter known for his atmospheric depictions of nature. This piece reflects the late 19th-century interest in animalier subjects integrated into romanticized landscapes.
Notable Features
Includes a highly ornate 19th-century gilt composition frame with floral and textured molding, which appears original to the work and significantly enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust and yellowing of the varnish consistent with age; possible minor craquelure in the heavier impasto areas of the grass.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light varnish refresh are recommended. Preservation of the original period frame is essential for value.
Collector Notes
1890 Alberta spilt Berg Original frame Oil painting