S Karski, Attributed to - Poolse ruiter

S. Karski (19th century) – Winter rider in a village landscape – oil on panel
Atmospheric small winter scene, signed in the bottom right “S. Karski”, executed in oil on a wooden panel.

Central in the composition a rider on horseback traverses a snow-covered East European village landscape. To the left are a few figures along the road and in the background a village and a horse-drawn sleigh are visible. The painting is loose and confident in handling, with finer detailing in the rider, the horse and the figures, and broader brushwork in the snow and sky.

The painting is clearly hand-signed bottom right with the name S. Karski.

Artist and description
Little biographical information is known about S. Karski. In the international art trade only a few works under this name are registered. A documented comparable work, also a winter scene with horses, was catalogued by the American auction house Grogan & Company as S. Karski, Russian, 19th century.

The attribution of the offered painting to S. Karski is based on the signature present, the corresponding subject matter, and the stylistic affinity with registered works. There is no separate certificate of authenticity.

Technique
Oil on wooden panel
Hand-signed bottom right: S. Karski
Likely 19th century / late 19th century
Panel size: 20 × 11 cm
Overall dimensions with frame: approximately 33 × 24 cm
Sold including the shown old gilded decorative frame

Frame
The painting is housed in a richly ornamented, gilded wooden frame with traditional ornamentation. On the back there is a partially preserved old label from a framing company.
The frame shows signs of age and usage. Notably on some protruding corners there is loss of ornament and gilding. See the detail photos; these form part of the condition description.

Condition
The painting is in reasonable condition for its presumed age.
The surface shows signs of age, localized wear/soiling, and some small damages. There have been no extensive restorations by the current owner. The painting has not been cleaned or restored and is offered in the condition in which it was found.

The frame shows clearly visible signs of age and localized damage, especially to the ornaments and corners.
Please examine the detail photos carefully; they form an important part of the condition description.

Shipping
The painting and especially the protruding ornaments of the frame are delicate. The work will therefore be carefully and generously packaged with extra protection to the corners and insured for shipment.