Julian Rix  (American, 1850-1903), oil on canvas Barbizon / Tonalist landscape painting. Daylight illuminates a grove of trees at the center of the scene and the white walls of a cottage in the distance, distinguishing both from a shadowy treeline. The light also reflects off several white puffy clouds overhead. Signed lower right "Julian Rix" and dated 1899. Housed in an antique giltwood and composition frame with high relief scroll motifs. Sight: 11 3/4 in. H  x 15 1/2 in. W. Frame: 22 1/2 in. H x 26 1/2 W.

Biography: Julian Walbridge Rix was one of the first California painters to be influenced by the Barbizon style. Born in Vermont, he moved with his family to San Francisco as a child. He studied with Virgil Williams at the School of Design and moved to New York in search of greater financial success. His work was exhibited at the National Academy of Design in the 1880s. Rix also studied art briefly in Europe before returning to the U.S., and he became a member and later a director, along with Tonalist Henry Ward Ranger, of the Lotos Club. He refined his own skills to the point that the New York Times placed him in the company of George Inness and Homer Martin, as "the future of landscape painting in America."  Rix continued to paint Western scenes throughout his career and send paintings back to San Francisco for exhibition. Source: "Artists in California, 1786 to 1940" by Edan Milton Hughes. 

Lined, with craquelure and light grime throughout. UV light inspection reveals scattered retouch, center tree area. Some small losses, abrasions, and repairs to frame. 

The estate of Lyman O. "Buzz" Heidtke, Nashville, TN.