Signed lower left: George / Sotter

Private collection, Northbrook, Illinois.

George William Sotter (American, 1879-1953) Bucks County Farmhouse, circa 1920 Oil on canvas 22 x 26 inches (55.9 x 66.0 cm) Signed lower left: George / Sotter PROVENANCE: Private collection, Northbrook, Illinois. George William Sotter's Bucks County Farmhouse is a quintessential example of Pennsylvania Impressionism, a regional offshoot of the American Impressionist movement that thrived in the early 20th century. Pennsylvania Impressionism, often centered around New Hope and Bucks County, was characterized by its focus on the rural landscape, intimate depictions of nature, and a unique interplay of light and color. This movement differed from its European counterpart by placing greater emphasis on the solidity of form and the quiet beauty of the American countryside. Sotter was a prominent figure within this movement, celebrated not only for his landscapes but also for his depictions of twilight and nocturnal scenes. His style combined technical precision with a poetic rendering of rural life, embodying the spirit of Pennsylvania's landscape. Having studied under the likes of Edward Redfield and Thomas Anshutz, Sotter developed a keen eye for capturing the atmospheric effects that defined the Pennsylvania approach. Here, the titular farmhouse stands weathered and beaten by the years, albeit timeless and enduring beneath a dramatic winter sky. Cold, splintered wood surrounds it: standing among barren trees, scattered farm implements, and chopped lumber, the farmhouse perseveres and constitutes the closest approximation to warmth, the hearth. A dozen or so chickens in the foreground evoke the peaceful verisimilitude of quotidian rural life. Sotter's muted color palette—dominated by soft earth tones—contributes to an overall aura of quietude and harmony. The brushstrokes, though loose, are precise enough to betray the varying texture of the stone building, the bare trees, and the sky, reflecting the Impressionist interest in capturing fleeting moments of natural light. This painting exemplifies the core elements of Pennsylvania Impressionism. Sotter's treatment of light—subtle yet deliberate—imbues the scene with a sense of calm introspection. The dwarfed figure of the farmer who nearly vanishes beneath the towering tree along with the weathered state of the manmade structures in view elucidate the eternal presence of the landscape amid human activity. Bucks County Farmhouse not only reflects Sotter's mastery of light and form but also serves as a visual homage to the pastoral life that defined much of Bucks County in the early 20th century. The painting encapsulates the Pennsylvania Impressionists' fascination with the American countryside, offering a timeless representation of a rapidly changing rural landscape. In its attention to the interplay of light, structure, and atmosphere, Bucks County Farmhouse demonstrates why Sotter's work remains singularly significant within this broader regional movement. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Unlined canvas. Small 1 inch puncture with loss along the lower center edge, below the chickens. Another small 1/2 inch puncture on the left side of the main structure. Faint hairline craquelure and stretcher bar lines visible under raking light. Under UV exam, there does not appear to be inpaint. Framed Dimensions 29 X 33 Inches