Albert Anker

Alfred Guyoz, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Private collection, Switzerland

Not unframed. Paper slightly brownish. Trace of a former passe-partout mostly visible along the upper and left edges. Minor discoloration of the surface. Minor scratch in the lower right margin. Very 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."

Mr. Matthias Berfin has verbally confirmed the authenticity of this work.

The girl depicted is sort to be Martha Stucki. 

Albert Anker is one of the foremost representatives of children’s portraiture in 19^th_ century European Painting. In his paintings he depicts children from his immediate surroundings engaged in homework and play. Anker also painted classical portraits of children posing. The present work shows a girl holding her notebook and chalkboard in her left hand, whilst proudly presenting a blossoming bouquet of white lilac with her right hand. Depictions of children as seen in Anker's oil paintings are also found in his later watercolours, a medium which the artist starts using increasingly following his stroke in 1901.

Herr Matthias Berfin hat die Echtheit dieses Aquarells mündlich bestätigt.

Bei dem dargestellten Mädchen handelt es sich wohl um Martha Stucki.

Albert Anker zählt zu den bedeutendsten Schöpfern von Kinderdarstellungen innerhalb der europäischen Malerei des 19. Jahrhunderts. Er zeigt Kinder aus seiner unmittelbaren Umgebung beim Spielen, bei den Hausaufgaben oder in klassischen Porträts. Im gegenwärtigen Bild hält das dargestellte Mädchen sein Schulheft und seine Schreibtafel in der linken Hand, in der Rechten präsentiert es mit Stolz einen wunderbar blühenden Strauss mit weissem Flieder. Seit Ankers Schlaganfall im Jahr 1901 malte der Maler vornehmlich Aquarelle. In seinen Aquarellen kehren die Kindergesichter wieder, welche von seinen Gemälde bereits bekannt sind.