AUSTRIAN, Ben, (American, 1870-1921): Summer Landscape with Stream, Oil/Paper, 7'' x 4 7/8'', signed lower right, dedicated verso and dated 1922, period wood frame, 8.5'' x 6.75''. Because of his poor health, Austrian spent a great deal of time on the family farm where his mother encouraged him to paint. While there, he became fascinated by hens and chicks which influenced much of his work. To promote the family business, he gave each customer an original oil painting. Eventually, he sold the family business to focus on his art. His success came from his paintings of chicks and chickens. In London he became known as the ''Landseer of Chickens''. One of his more successful ventures was the development of ads for the Bon Ami Company based on paintings that featured chicks. The trademark chicks are still used by Bon Ami today.
CONDITION: Several abrasions with loss, paint is adhered firmly, sold as is.