Original Painting “Autumn in Abiquiu, N.M.” [R]

Von Hassler had a light hand sometimes and a heavier hand at other times when applying oil paints to canvas. Many of his works show delicacy and other show the master applying paints with a heavy but sure hand. The latter describes this painting well. The paints are wonderfully thick and applied with a loose and careful touch. The dark purple and orange in the large cottonwood tree at the left of the painting casts its dark shadow on the ground in the middle. The golden leaves of the other cottonwoods reflect the afternoon sunlight.

Von Hassler most probably wrote the title and date in his hand on the back of the frame he made for this piece; however, the frame has been replaced with one hand made by a friend of the previous owner of this painting. The frame maker carved into the back of the frame XMAS 1940 CLAUD from TOM.

Based on the date of the frame, the painting would date to 1940 or earlier. Written on verso of the painting, in a hand other than Von Hassler’s, is the following:“Painting by Von Hassler—again “Autumn in Abiquiu, N.M. Hand carved frame by Tom Munson.” The painting is not signed on the front.

Provenance: Exhibited at the “Santa Fe Tribute to Carl Von Hassler” June 2009 at adobe gallery santa fe.