Preliminary identification

Folk Art Winter Landscape by 'Probst', 1943

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a charming mid-century folk art landscape, executed in what appears to be gouache or watercolor on paper. It captures a serene, rural settlement featuring a prominent church and log-hewn structures…

Story

In 1943, while the world was gripped by the upheaval of World War II, an artist named Probst captured this moment of profound, pastoral stillness.

Maker / Origin

The signature 'Probst' suggests a talented regional artist, likely from a community with strong Germanic or Central European roots, such as those found in the American Midwest or Pennsylvania.

Condition & Value

The paper shows signs of age-related toning and some visible spotting or foxing in the lower margin area. The colors remain remarkably vibrant, though the matting appears aged and may be acidic; replacing the mat with acid-free materials would help preserve the paper.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD