Sale: 374 / Modern Art, Dec. 04. 2010 in Munich Lot 56

 
Christian Rohlfs - Anthurie


56
Christian Rohlfs
Anthurie, 1937.
Tempera
Estimate:
€ 28,000 / $ 30,240
Sold:
€ 48,800 / $ 52,704

(incl. surcharge)
Tempera and black chalk
Vogt 37/50. With estate stamp and signature of Helene Rohlfs "Frau Christian Rohlfs" on verso, as well as with inscription "Nr. 5 Anturie 1937". On structured laid paper by PM Fabriano (with watermark). 67,3 x 48,5 cm (26,4 x 19 in), the full sheet

PROVENANCE: Formerly private collection Wuppertal-Barmen.

It is clear proof of Christian Rohlfs‘ delicate sense for color structures, when, as it is the case with this sheet, he makes a single anthurium blossom the dominating compositional element in the picture. The water tempera, which he uses with great poise, allows to depict subtle nuances, thus Rohlfs attains a painting-like effect with this calm study, its magic captivates the observer right away. It is the fine color nuances that add charisma to this scant composition. Christian Rohlfs manages to give the objects a new meaning, to detach them from their common existence and to take them to a mysterious world. The slight blur of the contours, which can be observed with both the blossom and the vase in combination with the textured background, evokes an atmosphere of a beginning perishability, which still bears the beauty of its present state. [KD].




56
Christian Rohlfs
Anthurie, 1937.
Tempera
Estimate:
€ 28,000 / $ 30,240
Sold:
€ 48,800 / $ 52,704

(incl. surcharge)