Leopold Graf von Kalckreuth
Today's painting is not a very well-known one. In fact, it was hard for me to find any information about it. We see an atmospheric family scene, during Christmas holidays—the children are gathering around the Christmas tree, singing and praying. They are very focused.
BTW, did you know that it is the Germans who are credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes? :)
Leopold Karl Walter Graf von Kalckreuth was a German painter, known for portraits and landscapes. Although he painted some portraits remarkable for their power of expression, he devoted himself principally to depicting with relentless realism the monotonous life of the fishing folk on the seacoast, and of the peasants in the fields. His palette is joyless, and almost melancholy, and in his technique he is strongly influenced by the Impressionists. He was one of the founders of the Secessionist movement.
Happy Christmas Eve!
P.S. Speaking of Christmas trees ... Here's a story of a controversial Christmas tree in Venice!