Walter Emerson Baum (American, 1884-1956), Study for White House

Tempera on gesso on Masonite, signed at lower right, inscribed to verso "Sketch for 'White House' / Exhibited Philadelphia / Sketch Club (194?) / W. E. Baum" and "Tempera on Jesso (sic) / varnised (sic) 1944 / Must be varnished 1945," presented in a period gilt frame. Baum published a lithograph based on this scene.

Board 15 3/4 x 20 in.; Frame dimensions 19 3/4 x 23 3/4 in.

Walter Emerson Baum was a prominent American painter, teacher, and arts advocate, best known for his impressionistic landscapes of the Pennsylvania countryside. Born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, Baum studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under distinguished artists such as Thomas Anshutz and William Merritt Chase. Deeply connected to his surroundings, Baum drew inspiration from the rural landscapes of Bucks and Lehigh Counties, capturing the beauty of changing seasons, small towns, and local scenes with a vibrant palette and dynamic brushwork. His work is often associated with the Pennsylvania Impressionist movement, and he became a pivotal figure in promoting regional art.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Baum was a dedicated educator and cultural leader. He founded the Baum School of Art in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1926, providing art education to aspiring artists in the region. He also served as the director of the Allentown Art Museum, where he worked to enrich the local arts community. Baum was a prolific artist and exhibited widely, gaining recognition for his ability to evoke atmosphere and emotion in his landscapes. His legacy endures through his paintings and his contributions to nurturing the arts in Pennsylvania.

No evidence of restoration or retouch visible under UV light.