$248,000
Carl Spitzweg (German, 1808-1885) Der Briefträger , c. 1870 Signed with artist's cipher l.l., canvas stenciled "Malerleinwand Fabrik/ A. Schutzmann/ MUNCHEN" on reverse, inscribed "H.M. MOON" in ink on the stretcher. Oil on canvas, 21 1/4 x 12 3/4 in. (54.0 x 32.4 cm), framed. Condition: Scalloping to right tacking margin, craquelure. Provenance: Through the collection of James A. Schalk, Cincinnati, Ohio, Private Cincinnati collection. N.B. We wish to thank Dr. Jens Christian Jensen for his expertise on the basis of transparencies, and a copy of his opinion accompanies the lot. The following is abridged and translated from his German expertise: The present work appears to be the final version of Der Briefträger, which has been known heretofore through a preliminary oil on paperboard study (Wichmann, 515), and an intermediate oil on canvas study (Wichmann, 516). As the largest and most carefully detailed version of Der Briefträger known, it follows the three-step work process (i.e. preliminary oil study, intermediate oil study, final "sales" version) commonly used by Spitzweg, and was likely commissioned for a specific buyer. It is painted on A. Schutzmann canvas, which Spitzweg used almost exclusively for his final "sales" pictures, as it was an excellent quality and expensive support. The discovery of the present work gives context to the studies of Der Briefträger. Compared to the intermediate study, this final version shows not only enriched details and a
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-05-20
