This lovely landscape of a fortress in the Alps was completed by French artist Leberecht Lortet (1828-1901) around 1860-1870. It retains its stunning original frame, gilded in 22k gold leaf, with oak leaves, acorns, and laurel leaves. Leberecht Lortet is most well known for his depictions of mountainous regions, the Alps in particular, specifically Grindelwald, Zermatt, Riffelberg, and Champex. The artist, and his brother, Professor Louis Lortet (founder and president of the Section Lyonnaise du Club Alpin Français), were among the first French mountaineers to frequent the highest ranges of the Alps. 

Signed “LORTET” in lower left corner, plaque on frame liner “LORTET”

Medium: Oil on artist board

Support size: 7 1/2” x 11 1/4”  Size of outside frame: 13 3/4” x 17 1/2”

Period of creation: c. 1860-1870

Condition: The painting is in immaculate condition, freshly cleaned and new dammar varnish applied. Support, ground, and paint layer all in a perfect state. The 22k gold leaf frame has some losses to the plaster ornament, several repairs and areas of touch up. The upper cove has had the gilding mostly cleaned off, likely from over a century of dusting.

Highest Auction Result: Galartis 2/26/2012 $13,385