Henry Ward Ranger (American, 1858-1916), oil on canvas painting. Figures stand in the midst of a largely deforested landscape, with fires smoldering at selected spots and creating smoke that rises into the cloudy sky. Signed lower left. En verso is an exhibit label for the Art Association of Richmond, Indiana, and a Marshall Field & Co. Picture Galleries label to frame. Sight: 35 in. W x 27 in. H. Frame: 41 1/2 in. W x 35 in. H. Note: Native New Yorker Henry Ward Ranger was a leader of the Tonalist painting movement and founder of the Old Lyme Art Colony. After studying art at Syracuse University, he spent time in Paris and settled in Holland. There, he became active with the Hague School of painters, known for their emphasis on cloud-filled skies and diffused light. Ranger's work was accepted by the Paris Salons in the late 1880s, and when he returned to New York in 1888, his paintings were well received in American galleries. He was the founding member of the Florence Griswold circle in the Old Lyme (CT) Art Colony, where he and other artists explored Tonalism, and later, under the influence of Childe Hassam, Impressionism. Ranger's own works moved more towards Impressionism in his later career. He was a well-respected member of the National Academy and the American Watercolor Society. Upon his death, 129 of his works were sold for $66,240, which, according to the New York Times, was the highest average price paid for the works of a dead artist. 

Overall very good condition. With stable craquelure throughout plus localized areas of retouching, largest to sky at upper center, approx. 2 in. x 3/4 in., and to two areas of foliage in upper left quadrant, both approx. 1 1/4 in. x 3/4 in. See UV photography. 

Private Middle Tennessee collection, by descent from Louise Whisenhunt, former director of the Art Association of Richmond, Indiana.