William McKendree Snyder (Indiana, 1848-1930) oil on canvas landscape painting depicting a pathway through a dense forest of beech trees adorned in autumn foliage, with a clearing revealing a village scene beyond. Signed "W. M. Snyder" lower right. Dated en verso of stretcher, "Sept. 2, 1926" in pencil. Paper and label from Madison, IN. affixed en verso. Housed in a contemporary wood frame with a gilt filet. Sight: 7 3/4" H x 13 3/4" W. Framed: 14 1/8" H x 20 1/8" W. Biography: William McKendree Snyder was a forerunner of the Brown County Art Colony artists and is best known for his detailed depictions of Indiana landscapes. As a youth, he served in the Civil War and survived being captured and imprisoned at Andersonville. After the war, he studied with Inesco Williams in Cincinnati before going East. He was influenced by the Hudson River School and studied with George Innis, Alexander Wyant, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Eaton and William Hunt between 1872 and 1875. Upon returning to Indiana, he frequently painted in New Albany and in Brown County, making him a forerunner of the Brown County Art Colony artists. (Source: Indiana University Southeast).

Descended to consignor from his Great-Great-Aunt, Florence Simpson. She acquired the painting directly from the artist in Madison, Indiana in 1870. Canvas in overall very good condition. Frame with veneer losses, largest area 1" sq, and light overall wear.