Monumental Antique Woodland Oleograph After Paul Flickel, Circa 1905

A magnificent and unusually large antique colour oleograph after the German landscape painter Paul Franz Flickel (1852–1903).

The composition depicts a group of magnificent mature trees beside open countryside and water. Sunlight catches the twisting trunks and branches, creating the luminous woodland atmosphere for which Flickel became particularly admired.

The lower-right corner bears the printed facsimile signature “P. Flickel” and the date 1896, referring to the original painting.

The print remains under glass within its substantial period gilt frame. A broad gilt slip and finely moulded beaded decoration give the piece exceptional presence. Its monumental proportions make it a genuine statement artwork for a large interior.

Provenance Story

We sourced this remarkable picture from a Mid Sussex country house, where its impressive proportions suited the scale and traditional character of the property beautifully.

The reverse retains an old retailer or framer’s label reading:

Reeves Artists’ Depots Ltd
59 Moorgate Street, London, E.C.

Reeves was one of Britain’s best-known suppliers of artists’ materials and operated several London retail depots. The company’s name and Moorgate Street address help place the framing and retailing of this example within the early 20th century.

The frame, backing and print appear to have remained together for many years, preserving the authentic appearance of a large country-house picture from the Edwardian period.

The Artist

Paul Franz Flickel was born in Berlin in 1852. He initially trained in the workshop of his grandfather, the theatre and decorative painter Carl Gropius.

From 1871 to 1873, Flickel studied landscape painting at the Weimar School of Art under Max Schmidt and Theodor Hagen. He continued his studies in Düsseldorf before settling permanently in Berlin.

Flickel travelled widely through Germany, Austria and Italy in search of subjects. He became particularly celebrated for his sunlit woodland interiors, mature trees and carefully observed effects of natural light.

He joined the Prussian Academy of Arts in 1892 and received the title of professor in 1894. His paintings can be found in several German museum collections, including the National Gallery in Berlin. He died in Nervi, Italy, in 1903.

Possible Location

The composition is identified as Sonnendurchfluteter Wald im Ilsetal im Harz, which translates approximately as Sunlit Forest in the Ilse Valley in the Harz Mountains.

The landscape is therefore believed to depict the Ilse Valley near Ilsenburg, within the Harz mountain region of central Germany.

The area was known for its wooded valleys, streams, ancient beech trees and dramatic natural scenery. It provided Flickel with several subjects during the later part of his career.

The original oil painting was signed and dated 1896. This monumental example is an early colour reproduction of that composition.

Dating

The original painting dates from 1896. However, the Reeves label relates to the framing or retailing of this particular reproduction.

Reeves’ London outlets principally used the name Reeves Artists’ Depots Ltd during the early 20th century. The available evidence suggests that this example dates from approximately 1902–1916.

We have therefore catalogued it as:

Early 20th century, circa 1905.

Details

• Artist: After Paul Franz Flickel (German, 1852–1903)
• Subject: Sunlit woodland landscape
• Possible location: Ilse Valley, Harz Mountains, Germany
• Medium: Antique colour oleograph or printed reproduction
• Original composition dated: 1896
• Date of this example: Early 20th century, circa 1905
• Presentation: Under glass
• Frame: Substantial period giltwood and composition frame
• Label: Reeves Artists’ Depots Ltd, 59 Moorgate Street, London
• Provenance: Sourced from a Mid Sussex country house
• Orientation: Landscape
• Overall dimensions: Height 85 cm, Width 113 cm

Condition

Presented in very good antique condition.

The printed image retains strong colour and fine detail. The substantial gilt frame displays minor rubbing, small marks and areas of age-related wear, consistent with its considerable age.

These details contribute to the picture’s authentic country-house character. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition report.

Styling Suggestion

The monumental scale makes this an ideal focal point for a country-house hallway, drawing room, library, dining room or spacious bedroom.

It would look particularly impressive above a long console table, sideboard, serving table or large fireplace. The muted greens, natural woodland tones and aged gilding complement antique furniture and traditional interiors beautifully.

It could also introduce warmth and character into a more restrained contemporary setting.

A highly decorative antique picture combining monumental scale, an identified composition, appealing country-house provenance and an excellent period gilt frame.