Johann Adolf Kittendorf (Copenhagen, 1820-1902)
Two Danish scenes, ‘Work’ and ‘Rest’
watercolour on brown paper, signed
black line, grey and brown wash on brown paper, signed
(top, actual) 5 7/8” high x 9” wide
(bottom, actual) 5 ½” high x 6” wide
(framed) 17 ¾” high x 13 1/2” wide
Markings: signed lower left, ‘JAKittendorff’
Condition: Very Good; for accuracy there is a light even toning. Johann is known for washes and sketches and these are executed in his customary style, achieving a crisp and clean image with seemingly little effort.
Artist Biography: Johan Adoph Kittendorff (Danish, 1820-1902) Draftsman, Watercolour Painter & Lithographer. Born in Denmark to master weaver Johan Adolph Friedrich Kittendorff (1793-1849) and Anna Amalia Elisabeth (Kuhn) Kittendorff (1797-1864). EDUCATION: Johann apprenticed as a room painter under master painter J. G. Berg and further pursued training at the Lithographic Institute of Emil Baerentzen while attending the Copenhagen Art Academy. Here he was awarded both small and large silver medals in 1841 & 1849 respectively. In 1850 he founded a lithographic institute with J. W. Tegner (1815-1893) while teaching drawing at the Academy where he would officially become an Elected Member in 1880. He was made a knight of the Order of the Dannebro. Johann was considered a close friend with painters Vilhelm Marstrand and Vilhelm Kyhn. After his death a foundation for artists was set up from his estate in 1904.
