Lot 265: Frankenstein (1820-1873) Gothic House scene

Godfrey Nicolas Frankenstein
(1820-1873)

gothic house in summer landscape

Signed and dated 'G.N. Frankenstein 1851' lower middle, oil on canvas, framed.

H: 35 in. W: 47 1/8 in. (sight)



PROVENANCE:

NOTE:
Godfrey Nicolas Frankenstein was born in Darmstadt, Germany in 1820, and emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1831 with his family, all talented artists. Subsequently the family moved to Springfield, Ohio in 1849. The gothic house depicted is believed to be in NEwport, Kentucky and was owned by John D. Park (1894-1972) of Cincinnati, an attorney and developer of a large pharmeceutical firm. Godfrey and his sister Elizabeth lived in this home with Mr. Park and his family in teh early 1850s. Mr. Park named his son after Godfrey in 1852. Godfrey painted landscapes, closely and carefully studied from nature, and portraits, such as those of Abbott Lawrence, Charles Francis Adams, George Ticknor and other eminent citizens of Boston (1) He was also a sculptor, one of the best known pieces of his work is the portrait bust of Justice McLean, now in the United States district court room in Cincinnati (2). Godfrey was an affable and honourable gentleman; qualities which together with his acknowledged talent, secured for him many warm friends(3).
(1) Gross, Rev. C.F. Cincinnati- The Queen City, v. 2 p. 445.
(2)Greve, C.G. Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens. v. 1. p. 933.
(3)Howe, Henry. Historical collections of Ohio. v. 1. p. 856,857.