Description:

Knute Heldner (Swedish/Louisiana, 1877-1952), "Sunday Morning in the Teche", c. 1936, oil on canvas, signed lower left, partial painting en verso, remnant labels on stretcher, 22 in. x 24 in., framed, overall 25 1/2 in. x 27 5/8 in. x 1 in. Note: Knute Heldner had many stops on the journey from his native Verderslöv, Sweden to New Orleans, including Boston, Duluth, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. He studied art at the Minneapolis School of Fine Arts (now the Minneapolis College of Art and Design), the Art Institute of Chicago, and ultimately at the Art Students League of New York. Heldner arrived in New Orleans for the first time in the winter of 1923, and captivated by the city’s charm, he and his wife, Colette, determined to make it their winter home, spending summers in Duluth. Throughout his early travels, Heldner held a variety of jobs including cabin boy, shepherd, woodland guide, dishwasher, and cook in a lumber camp. This array of employment allowed Heldner to interact with diverse groups of people and experience first-hand the hardships of the Great Depression era. Heldner later stated that “as a general rule, all artists are poor sometime in their career, but I can safely say that I was poorer than most of them when I first reached the States.” A deeply religious person, Heldner became known for his atmospheric Louisiana landscapes as well as striking genre and spiritual scenes. One of his main goals in painting was to attempt to reach people through his art and connect adversity in everyday life with a sense of divine purpose. The important work on offer here captures the sense of community and devotion of a Sunday morning churchyard within the romantic and lush Louisiana bayous. Ref.: “Heldner, Knute (1877-1952).” The Johnson Collection. www.thejohnsoncollection.org. Accessed June 3, 2024.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. To REQUEST A CONDITION REPORT, email [email protected]. Requests are only taken and provided in writing. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

Shipping Options

Invaluable Shipping

  • Expert Care packing and Shipping
  • Shipment Protection
  • Real-time tracking

Arrange your own

  • You will coordinate with us to arrange your own shipping

Local pickup

  • You will coordinate with us and arrange pick up time after payment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

June 28, 2024 1:00 PM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $5,000
$50,000 $99,999 $10,000
$100,000 + $20,000