In 1870, William Wadsworth Findlay established his first gallery, called the City Art Rooms, in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1919, the head of the gallery was passed on to Findlay’s eldest son, Walstein C. Findlay, Sr.. Walstein brought European art - including 19th-century English landscapes and portraits, German genre works, and French Impressionist and Barbizon paintings - to the gallery’s collection. Findlay Galleries is still in operation today, proudly boasting “Three Centuries in Art”, a testament to the excellence of its artworks and its business legacy.

Based on the original gallery label dated 1870-1880 and with the name of W. W. Findlay himself on it, we determine that this piece is from the company’s early years. Meaning it is most likely an American made artwork. Another detail that possibly corroborates this is the charming ear of corn motif in the outermost border of the frame. Even if it isn’t European, it certainly follows the tropes of landscape painting traditions recognized from across the pond.

Whether it be the waters of the Rhine or the Missouri River, castle turrets in the distance or grain silos, or a noble’s lady in waiting or simply a lady waiting, this artwork that defies borders is museum worthy nonetheless.

SKU: 15007