Wilhelm Kühnert - A Family Of Deer In A Snowy Forest

19th century German romantic painting of a deer family in a snowy forest by Wilhelm Kühnert

A majestic stag stands sentinel at the edge of a sun-drenched clearing, his gaze locked with the viewer’s; alert, unwavering, and noble. Behind him, his family grazes in serene contentment, unaware of the quiet watchfulness that shields them. The golden light of the setting sun bathes the landscape in a warm, amber glow, casting long, gentle shadows and painting the scene with a sense of calm and reverence. It’s a moment suspended in time, intimate, powerful, and tender, a tribute to both the beauty of nature and the quiet strength of guardianship.

Wilhelm Kuhnert (1865–1926): Master of Wildlife in the Wild

Friedrich Wilhelm Kuhnert was a pioneering German painter, illustrator, and author celebrated for his vivid depictions of African wildlife. Born on September 28, 1865, in Oppeln (now Opole, Poland), Kuhnert studied at the Berlin University of the Arts under the guidance of animal painter Paul Meyerheim. He distinguished himself by venturing into the wild to observe and sketch animals in their natural habitats, a practice uncommon among his contemporaries.   

Kuhnert embarked on extensive expeditions to East Africa, India, and Egypt, immersing himself in the landscapes and wildlife he sought to portray. His favorite subject was the African lion, and his works are renowned for capturing the essence and majesty of these creatures. Unlike many artists of his time who relied on zoo specimens, Kuhnert’s firsthand observations lent authenticity and vitality to his art. 

Beyond painting, Kuhnert contributed illustrations to significant zoological publications, including Alfred Brehm’s “Tierleben” and Johann Wilhelm Haacke’s “Animal Life on Earth.” He also created designs for Stollwerck chocolate trading cards, bringing exotic animals into everyday German life. 

Kuhnert’s dedication to depicting animals in their natural environments positioned him as a leading figure in wildlife art. His works not only showcase artistic excellence but also serve as valuable records of early 20th-century wildlife. He passed away on February 11, 1926, in Flims, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and inform. The auction record for the artist was achieved in 2019 for an amount of 645000 USD.

Provenance:
Private collection Germany

Dimensions:
The canvas measures ca. 46 by 68 cms and with the frame ca. 62 by 84 cms.

Signed lower right. Furthermore it has the exact same type of stretcher with similar markings, as the painting of a "Moose on a Swedish moor" by Kühnert sold at the London art market on September 25th 2024 for 32000 GBP.