Oil on canvas, signed and dated 1883 at lower left, presented in a period, likely original, gilt composition frame retaining label for William Herrmann frame maker of Chicago.

Stretcher size 27 x 22 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 37 1/2 x 32 in.

Christopher Shearer was born on a family farm in Shearertown, just outside Reading, Pennsylvania. He began his art studies with the noted Reading artists, Francis Daniel Devlan and John Heyl Raser. He spent several years in Europe, furthering his studies at the academies in Dusseldorf and Munich, before returning to Reading in the late 1870s.

Shearer is well known for his detailed landscapes and entomological illustrations and collections. He was a noted art instructor and was instrumental in the founding and development of the Reading Public Museum. Shearer exhibited frequently throughout his life, showing works at the Brooklyn Art Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and The Dusseldorf Art Academy.

Canvas in need of re-stretching; light surface grime; loss to lower right corner of frame; possible area of retouch to cloud in sky.

$1,000 - 3,000