MATHIAS ALTEN HOME & STUDIO
1593 E. Fulton in Grand Rapids | NRHP Listing 2009
Note: Mathias Alten’s paintings can be found at the George and Barbara Gordon Gallery at the GVSU Pew downtown campus in the Richard DeVos Center, 401 Fulton, Grand Rapidsopen to the public on Friday and Saturday from 1 to 5 pm.
BEGINNINGS: Mathias Joseph Alten, nationally recognized American Impressionist painter (1871 - 1938), was born February 13, 1879 in Germany, immigrated to Grand Rapids west side by 1889 at age 17. He started as a mural and sign painter, but it was his talent as a painter that brought him prizes and recognition around the state and nation. In 1898, he studied at the Academies Julian and Colorossi and followed that with travel in Europe and the continental United States as he developed his style and skill. He is known for his Impressionistic style seen in still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and animal studies. He never forgot his love of West Michigan landscape paintings along the lakeshore, from Leland to the south. His work was exhibited widely. LInk to a Mathias Alten self-portrait.
In 1895, Mathias married Bertha Schwind and they had three daughters: Eleanor Alten Gilleo, Camelia Alten Demmon, and Viola Alten Gatzweiler. From about 1910 to 1913, the Altens owned the house at 1203 Hope in Easton. Beautiful murals painted by Alten remained in the home and were there through around 1950, but the current status is unknown. The Altens always made thier home a focal point for gathering of family and friends. Alten porch gathering on Hope Street.
When Mathias Alten was about 35 years old, and by then, a well-known painter, he and Bertha bought this home at 1593 East Fulton. (City Assessor Photo of 1593 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, Michigan)
ALTEN FAMILY HOME AND STUDIO: When Mathias Alten was about 35 years old, and by then, a well-known painter, he and Bertha bought this home at 1593 East Fulton. (City Assessor Photo of 1593 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, Michigan)The family moved into the beautiful four-square styled home in 1914. The property had been a large farm dating back to the 1830s. The Altens razed the original farmhouse, but they kept this lovely house built in the classic four-square style, which was already on site, built by the previous owners in 1907. The low-pitched hip roof features three symmetrical dormers along the front and sides. The house with its uncoursed granite foundation sits on a slight elevation overlooking the street (and today’s Aquinas College campus), adding to the impression of style and graciousness. A full-length porch with a roof supported by granite piers and wooden columns is topped by a second-story balcony. The asymmetrical entry door is flanked by sidelights, and the home has wood-framed, double-hung windows. Over the years, and especially in the years following Mathias Alten’s death in 1938, the family sold off much of the property for building lots. For a view of the once extensive backyard and single-story outdoor kitchen with gable roof, Link to Mathias Alten’s painting of the backyard.
The Altens were known for their gatherings of family and friends, so the house was a lively place. They even built cottages for the daughters on the property and a garage once they bought cars and began driving around town. It has been said that Alten would occasionally drive downtown to sketch and forget where he parked the car. He then would take the streetcar home, and someone would retrieve the family car.
Alten painted in various rooms in the house but kept a studio downtown. During the Depression, Alten moved his studio home to the house on Fulton Street. Stay tuned - more to follow soon on this story!
Preservation: The Altens’ granddaughter Anita Gilleo purchased the property in 2002 and was active in preserving its legacy as a historic Grand Rapids home.
In 2006, the Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center placed a historic marker at the home ( Number S0694). By 2009, the Mathias Alten Home and Studio was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.