Label
2024, “Endangered Art: Reclaiming a Legacy”
William Ritschel began painting seashells while serving in the Imperial German Navy, and after his service, he continued painting at the Royal Academy in Munich. He exhibited art throughout Europe before immigrating to the United States. The ocean was Ritschel’s primary artistic inspiration throughout his life, and his seascapes were popular in commercial galleries throughout the country.
Conservators cleaned the surface of Ocean Scene, which had become dark and dull over time, and applied a new coat of protective varnish. The painting was installed into its cleaned frame with new hardware.