Leon A. Makielski (American, 1885-1974), Chapel by the Lake

Oil on canvasboard, circa 1958, signed at lower right, retaining label to verso, framed.

Sight size 17 1/4 x 23 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 22 1/2 x 28 3/4 in.

Leon Alexander Makielski was an American painter and art instructor known for his Impressionist-inspired scenes. Born in Pennsylvania to Polish immigrants and raised in Indiana, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before continuing his education in Paris at the Académie Julian and Académie de la Grande Chaumière.

While in Europe, he painted in the Giverny artists' colony and exhibited at the Paris Salons. Returning to the U.S. in 1913, he taught at the University of Michigan from 1915 to 1927 and painted portraits of prominent figures such as Robert Frost and Eliel Saarinen. His works are held by institutions like the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Upon his death, around 400 artworks were found in his studio, underscoring his prolific output.

Good estate condition.