Charles Louis Kratke (aka Charles Louis Kratké) (1848–1921)

“Sodden Landscape with Distant Storm” (descriptive title only), c.1890, a proof-state impression possibly before formal lettering, with scratch publication notes suggesting that the print was in preparation for publication (“In progress [for the] proprietor”) in Paris by Boussod, Valadon & Cie (fl.1884–1919) (formerly Goupil & Cie [fl.1850-1884]).

Note that this print has compositional similarities to a smaller etching by Charles Louis Kratké, “Valley Landscape Under Stormy Sky”, 1891 (see https://www.goldinfineart.com/products/charles-louis-kratke-valley-landscape-under-the-stormy-sky-etching-1891).

Etching on imitation vellum, pencil signed with generously wide margins.

Size: (sheet) 55 x 72.3 cm; (platemark) 44.7 x 53 cm; (image borderline) 37.6 x 48.3 cm.

Inscribed in plate below the image borderline: (centre) “In progress the for proprietor. Boussod & Valadon Paris.”; (right) “L. KRATKÉ s.c.”; (possibly numbered at right) “1”.

Inscribed with the artist’s signature in pencil below the image borderline: (right) “L Kratke”.

Condition: a richly inked and near faultless impression with generously wide margins. There are minor marks in the margins, otherwise the sheet is in excellent condition with no significant stains.

I am selling this huge and visually stunning pencil-signed proof-state etching of a rain drenched rural landscape with a spectacularly glowing incandescent sky and distant storm, for the total cost of AU$362 (currently US$243.55/EUR221.56/GBP186.01 at the time of this listing) including Express Mail (EMS) postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries. Note that payment is in Australian dollars (AU$362) as this is my currency.

If you are interested in purchasing this simply incredibly beautiful etching—regarding the subject, I may be very wrong, but it’s possibly the same landscape shown in John Constable’s painting, “Branch Hill Pond, Hampstead Heath” (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branch_Hill_Pond,_Hampstead_Heath)—please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.