A delicate and atmospheric winter landscape by Julius von Klever, created in 1896 and executed in the characteristic manner of the artist’s mature period. A quiet northern scene unfolds: a winding snow-covered path leads toward a small cottage lit by a warm glowing window, trees stand heavy under a thick layer of snow, and a solitary traveller approaches the shelter. Fine scratching strokes along the branches, the rich impasto of the whites, and the cool grey underlayer create the sensation of crisp winter air and the atmospheric depth typical of Klever’s virtuoso brushwork during the 1890s.
Signature: Julius von Klever lower left; dated “1896” lower right.
Dimensions: 21.8 x 16 cm (paper); 22.5 x 16.5 cm (paper mounted on card).
Material: Oil on paper, mounted on card.
Condition: Good. Minor wear to the edges. No restoration.
Provenance: Private collection; art dealer P. G. Malmquist, Helsinki.
Winter landscapes of the late 19th century hold a central place in the oeuvre of Julius von Klever, one of the most celebrated masters of Russian Romantic Realism. By the 1890s, Klever had developed a mature artistic language distinguished by subtle light effects, multi-layered whites, and an expressive rendering of the northern landscape. His intimate winter scenes combine quiet atmosphere, emotional depth, and the contrast between the cold surroundings and the warmth of human presence – elements that became his signature.
Oil on paper, later mounted on card, was a widely used working format for Klever and is well documented in the collections of the State Russian Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery. It allowed him to explore delicate transitions of cold hues and to capture the shimmering, airy quality of winter light.
A key part of the historical narrative for this work is its early provenance. The verso bears the characteristic blue dealer’s label of P. G. Malmquist (Helsinki – Helsingfors), one of the leading Finnish art dealers at the turn of the 20th century. Similar labels appear on museum acquisitions and document the active circulation of Russian art in Northern Europe during this period. Its presence reinforces the attribution and confirms the early history of the painting within the northern European art market.
Thus, the present work embodies Klever’s mature technique, refined execution, and historically documented northern provenance, making it a representative example of late 19th-century Russian lyrical landscape painting.
The paint surface is stable and even. Minor age-related wear along the edges does not affect the composition. No traces of restoration or later intervention have been detected.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
