Charles Berninghaus Original Painting titled “Near Tres Ritos”

An Impressionist Homage to New Mexico's Past

"Near Tres Ritos" is a captivating original painting by the renowned New Mexico artist, Charles Berninghaus. The painting takes its name from the city of Tres Ritos, nestled in Taos County within the enchanting state of New Mexico. This region, like many others in New Mexico, is steeped in Native history. The Jornada Mogollon people, the area's original inhabitants, left an indelible mark on the landscape with thousands of petroglyphs etched along a mile-long ridge. Later, the Mescalero Apache found a home in this region, adding another layer to its rich historical tapestry.

Charles Berninghaus, having moved to Taos in 1927, was no stranger to the region. His childhood years spent there had fostered a deep familiarity and love for the area. This connection is evident in his long and fruitful career, during which he painted the landscapes of New Mexico in his distinctive impressionist style.

In "Near Tres Ritos," Berninghaus masterfully depicts a cluster of buildings perched atop a small plateau, their rustic charm standing in stark contrast to the wild beauty of the surrounding landscape. Behind this quaint settlement, a thriving forest unfurls in a symphony of green tones, while further in the background, majestic mountaintops pierce a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a winding dirt road snakes its way up to the plateau, framed by a hazy cloud of light green tones that hint at a season of abundant rainfall.

This painting is more than just a beautiful landscape; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of New Mexico, a region shaped by its rich history and the people who have called it home.  The painting is signed Charles Berninghaus in lower left. It is framed in a carved wood frame.

Charles Berninghaus (1905-1988) was an impressionist landscape painter. Berninghaus discovered art quite naturally because his father, Oscar E. Berninghaus, had already made a name for himself in the art world by the time Charles was born. Oscar first arrived in Taos in 1899 and was one of the six founders of the Taos Society of Artists, that famous and influential group that even today is known for the outstanding work its members produced. Charles attended St. Louis schools through high school, graduating in 1924, followed by art training at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Art Students League in New York. After spending some time in New York, Berninghaus moved to New Mexico permanently, where he continued developing the style for which he would become well known.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Charles Berninghaus Original Painting titled "Near Tres Ritos" is from a private New Mexico collection, purchased from Nedra Matteucci Galleries in 2005

Recommended Reading: Samuels' Encyclopedia of Artists of the American West by Peggy and Harold Samuels

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