Carl Spitzweg (1808 Munich - 1885 ibid.) "Ravine in the forest" In a small vertical format, Spitzweg depicts a forest gorge with partly tree-covered rock faces, a small pool of water (or pond) in the centre of the foreground and a dairymaid walking towards it from behind. The painting belongs to a larger series of Spitzweg's forest and mountain landscapes. It is exemplary of his mastery in giving the viewer an authentic, first poetic impression of the lonely, rough nature. Spitzweg's landscapes were influenced by his close friend, the open-air painter Eduard Schleich the Elder. He travelled with him to Paris, among other places, where the Barbizon School had a great, lasting influence on both of them. The Barbizon influence is also evident in this painting by Spitzweg in a freer, more two-dimensional, summary style of painting. Spitzweg was concerned with the overall mood, which is heightened here by light, shadows and colour accents. Over the course of time, Spitzweg's painting became increasingly open and flooded with light; he found his own progressive tendencies that paved the way for Impressionism. Oil/cigar box wood. L. and estate stamp; verso again the double estate stamp (on the wood) as well as label with estate stamp and confirmation of authenticity by Carl Spitzweg's nephew Otto Spitzweg (1843 - 1921): "I hereby testify that the painting Mädchen im Walde auf Holz (Cigarren) 14 1/2 x 19 1/2 was painted by our uncle painter Carl Spitzweg and came into my possession in 1886. Munich, 26 October 1902 Otto Spitzweg"; two labels with no. 254 and 386(?) respectively. 19.5 x 14.5 cm. Frame. Reference: G. Roennefahrt: "Carl Spitzweg. Beschreibendes Verzeichnis seiner Gemälde, Ölstudien und Aquarelle", Munich 1960, no. 331; S. Wichmann: "Carl Spitzweg. Verzeichnis der Werke. Gemälde und Aquarelle", Stuttgart 2002, pp. 506-07, no. 1382 with illus. (there incorrect dat. "27.3.1902" of the confirmation of authenticity by O. Spitzweg and dat. "12.5.1942" of the auction at Lange, Berlin). The painting will be included in the digital catalogue raisonné of Spitzweg paintings by Detlef Rosenberger, Oberostendorf. Provenance: Otto Spitzweg Collection, Munich (from 1882 to 1902); Auction Hugo Helbing, Munich, 14 July 1925, cat. no. 251, pl. 6; Auction H. Helbing, Munich, 18 January 1928, cat. no. 195, pl. 1.No. 195, pl. 1 (Scherm Collection, sold to Dr Georgiadis, Trieste); Auction H. Helbing, Munich, 11/12 June 1929, cat. no. 206, pl. 6 (from private collection); Auction H. W. Lange, Berlin, 8 May 1942, "Die Sammlung Geheimrat P., Berlin", cat. no. 128 pl. 10. Oil on panel. Signed. Estate stamp. On the reverse three estate stamps and a label with certificate of authenticity by the artist's nephew, dated 26th of October 1902. Mentioned in the catalogue raisonné by Siegfried Wichmann (no. 1382).