Hohensalzburg Fortress Appraisal

Salzburg, Austria: Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzach River by Kaye Chappell (1998)

This original painting, executed in a professional medium (likely oil or acrylic) on canvas, measures 18 in x 24 in and is presented in a large decorative frame totaling 30 in x 26 in. The landscape composition depicts the historic city of Salzburg, featuring the Salzach River in the foreground, the city's architecture, and the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress set against a backdrop of steep, snow-dusted mountains. The palette consists of earthy ochres on the walkway, deep blues and greys in the water, and muted greens and greys for the natural landforms. Smaller figures and a boat provide a sense of scale and life to the scene. The brushwork reflects the artist's professional background as a U.S. Army Illustrator, showing a blend of representational accuracy and artistic flair. The piece is hand-signed 'Kaye Chappell / 98' in the lower-left corner. The artwork appears to be in excellent condition, housed within a substantial, multi-tiered champagne-silver or gold-leaf finished wooden frame with a fabric liner. The frame features traditional beading and cove molding, which enhances the formal presentation. Given the artist's status as a charter member of the Albemarle Craftsman’s Guild and her career at Fort Belvoir, this 1998 work represents a mature example of her regional illustrative style and technical proficiency.