THOMAS CHAMBERS
Dramatic Landscape
with Mount Vesuvius
Ca. 1843–1860. Oil on canvas.   

Described as America's "first modern", Thomas Chambers (1808–1869) is well known for his highly imaginative paintings with a distinctive style characterized by broad areas of luminous, flat color, sharp contrasts of light and dark, and romantic exaggeration of natural forms, qualities that perfectly suited the tastes of his prosperous patrons in New York and New England.

This striking view of Mount Vesuvius is a museum-worthy example of Chambers’ work. The erupting volcano rises against a glowing sky, while richly detailed foreground flora and trees frame the exotic setting producing a scene of both visual drama and luxurious warmth. Two related views of Vesuvius by Chambers are illustrated in Thomas Chambers: American Marine and Landscape Painter, 1808–1869 by Foster (pp. 66–67).

Paintings by Thomas Chambers are represented in major public collections, including the American Folk Art Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, Fenimore Art Museum, Indiana University Art Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, National Gallery of Art, New-York Historical Society, Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and the Shelburne Museum.

In excellent condition with very-minor touchup at the perimeter. New stretcher; cleaned and re-lined by Yost Conservation in 2015.

The choice gilt frame is period, frame size 28 ¼ wide x 22 5/8 tall. Site size 23 1/8 x 17 ¾ inches.

Provenance includes the Kennedy Galleries, New York City; private New York City collection; Joan Brownstein American Folk Paintings; private Massachusetts collection. A rare opportunity to acquire a particularly dramatic example of Chambers’ landscape painting.