Jan Wiegers

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in the early fifties 

Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum, Jan Wiegers 1893-1959, December 1960 - January 1961, no. 2

Surface paint cracking in the upper left section, mainly in the yellow paint and in the red of the chairs. Colours are vibrant, no paint loss. The painting has been restretched presumably in the 1950's. Possible retouch of the front leg of the seated woman facing the viewer. The reverse of the painting has been coated with a preparation, probably gesso. Otherwise in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Gelijk een zwakke vrouw d'armoe van heur lijf verbergt Onder een ruisend froufrou van rokken en van kanten kleren Zo dommelt de Music-Hall z'n lusteloos begeren Weg in 't schijnen en 't kwijnen van veel rode en groene lichten.

Like a weakened woman will hide the poverty of her body Under rustling froufrou of skirts and laced clothes Likewise the Music-Hall dozes it's listless longing Away in the beaming and languish of many red and green lights.

Paul van Ostaijen (1896-1928)
Music Hall

Painted in 1921, this very exiting work shows the progress that Jan Wiegers had made since meeting Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in Davos the previous year. The title Music Hall clearly refers to Paul van Ostaijen's eponymous book of poetry published in 1916. This book, the most prominent example of Dutch Expressionist writing, changed the course of Dutch literature. There are numerous parallels between the two works: Wiegers' use of disparate colour use seems to echo Van Ostaijen's unconventional rhymes. Furthermore Wiegers seem to have been strongly inspired by the theme of Van Ostaijen poem.
Wiegers was thereby also incorporating themes not directly related to Kirchner's world in Davos.
Possibly he was inspired by Kirchners highly influential work from his Berlin period like the striking work the Musiczimmer II of 1915 (Sprengel Museum Hanover). But most likely he was tapping into personal experiences from his own world in the powerfully depicted night-scene. Strong in its use of color contrast and verticality, with expressive composition and attractive figuration, the work is a clear highlight in his oeuvre, and a very beautiful reflection of its era.