- 16
Max Slevogt
Estimate
140,000 - 180,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Max Slevogt
- Pfälzische Weinernte (Wine Harvest in the Palatinate)
- signed Slevogt lower right
- oil on canvas
- 63 by 78.5cm., 24¾ by 31in.
Provenance
Purchased by the grandfather of the present owner in the early 1930s
Condition
The canvas has not been lined. Ultraviolet light reveals no visible signs of retouching. This painting is in good original condition, and its appearance could be further enhanced with a light surface clean if desired.
Presented in a decorative gilt rococo-style frame.
The colours in reality are somewhat lighter and more luminous overall than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Painted circa 1920 en plein air near the Slevogt property at Neukastel, above Leinsweiler in the Rhineland-Palatinate.
Slevogt, together with Max Liebermann and Lovis Corinth formed the triumvirate of German Impressionists. Based in Berlin and Munich, Slevogt was a regular exhibitor at the Berlin Secession. In the 1920s Slevogt spent many summers in the Palatinate, where he enjoyed painting en plein air.
Slevogt studied at the Munich Academy from 1885-1889 and at the Académie Julian in Paris in 1889. However, it wasn’t until Slevogt visited the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris where he saw the works of the French Impressionists that his painterly style changed dramatically. Until 1900 Slevogt’s paintings were executed in a sombre, naturalistic style. Following his visit to the exhibition Slevogt increasingly turned to plein air landscape painting, developing a new, impressionist style of painting with vivid colours and thick, lively brush strokes. These became the hallmark of his mature style as exemplified by the present work.
Slevogt, together with Max Liebermann and Lovis Corinth formed the triumvirate of German Impressionists. Based in Berlin and Munich, Slevogt was a regular exhibitor at the Berlin Secession. In the 1920s Slevogt spent many summers in the Palatinate, where he enjoyed painting en plein air.
Slevogt studied at the Munich Academy from 1885-1889 and at the Académie Julian in Paris in 1889. However, it wasn’t until Slevogt visited the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris where he saw the works of the French Impressionists that his painterly style changed dramatically. Until 1900 Slevogt’s paintings were executed in a sombre, naturalistic style. Following his visit to the exhibition Slevogt increasingly turned to plein air landscape painting, developing a new, impressionist style of painting with vivid colours and thick, lively brush strokes. These became the hallmark of his mature style as exemplified by the present work.
The diagonal upsweep gives a dynamic flow to the composition, emphasised by the grape-pickers climbing the hill almost hidden beneath the lush vines, depicted in great swathes of emerald swirls of impasto. The masterful capturing of light is a common element in Slevogt’s depictions of the Palatinate countryside, accentuating the beauty of the landscape.