Autumn Landscape (Likely 'Autumn Bronze' or 'Golden Autumn')
Original Painting, Landscape / Oil on Canvas (or Canvasboard) • Robert William Wood (American, 1889–1979)
Style & Movement
American Impressionism / Realistic Landscape
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; executed with American Impressionist techniques including visible impasto, wet-on-wet brushwork, and energetic palette knife applications.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s–1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Likely 24 x 36 inches or 20 x 30 inches; Horizontal Landscape format
Subject Description
An autumnal wilderness scene featuring deciduous trees with turning foliage. The composition likely includes a creek or path (suggested by the low-angle perspective) and characteristic silver birch or aspen trunks rendered in dabs of white and light blue. The work focuses on the light effects of fall colors—oranges, ochres, and deep greens.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; there is visible surface grime and yellowing of the varnish consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 – $3,500 USD (for an original oil of typical size)
Auction Estimate
$1,000 – $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or through a private estate sale; the artist was highly prolific and sold widely throughout North America.
Art Historical Significance
Robert Wood was one of the most popular American landscape painters of the 20th century. He is credited with bringing traditional landscape appreciation to a mass audience through both his original works and high-quality vintage reproductions and lithographs.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive cursive 'Robert Wood' signature with the characteristic horizontal bars extending from the 'R' and 'W'. The color palette is highly representative of his peak mid-career output.
Condition Issues
Surface accumulation of dust and nicotine/smoke residue; minor age-related varnish discoloration; potential slight craquelure in the heavier impasto areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and fresh varnish would significantly brighten the autumnal colors. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.