Freidrich Kreft Wisconsin Architectural Gothic Church Watercolor Painting

up for consideration is a wonderful large scale painting of the interior of Church probably done by Freidrich William Kreft 1882-1962 German/American. The painting depicts the interior of a Church probably in Wisconsin and of which is quite well done. It measures about 27 by 33 including the thin frame. It is signed and dedicated on the front in the border something to the effect of " From my Estate, My good Nephew Gerhard Struck, as lasting memory, your uncle Friedrich"  KREFT, FRIEDRICH W., b. 3-6-1882 in Rotenhagen near Bielefeld. Religious painter, church decorator, and woodcarver. Kreft began his career at the age of fourteen, probably as an apprentice in a decorating business. He is reported to have been an art student in Dusseldorf, but there is no record at the Diisseldorf Academy that he was ever enrolled as a student there. After working for a firm in Germany which decorated churches and theaters, he taught art from 1907 to 1914. After serving in the German army during World War I, Kreft returned to teaching but immigrated to the U.S. in 1923. After a year spent in Manitowoc, he settled in Milwaukee in 1924. He exhibited at the Milwaukee Journal Gallery of Wisconsin Art in 1926. Kreft was associated for three years with theConrad Schmitt Studios and later had his own decorating business. He painted landscapes and portraits as a hobby and also wrote German verse. He was a distinguished looking man with a neartly trimmed beard and moustache. References: Sketch Book of Milwaukee, p. 172.  So according to the information above this piece dates some time after 1925 or so...it really is quite well done and has an interesting history...If you have any questions or something to share please message me buyer pays shipping... Warmest Regards, Johnny JohnnyCrystal Est. 1987