Lot 12
  • 12

Rudolf Ernst

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description

  • Rudolf Ernst
  • An Afternoon Repast
  • signed and dated R. Ernst. 86 lower right
  • oil on panel
  • 49 by 61cm., 19½ by 24in.

Provenance

Private collection, USA

Condition

The panel is flat, even, and ensuring a stable support. Two vertical batons are present on the reverse. The picture presents very well and is overall in good condition. There is some very light frame rubbing along the extreme edges. Ultra-violet light reveals scattered areas of green fluorescence due to residual varnish which make the surface quite difficult to read. However, some old scattered retouching is visible, notably one spot in the upper right corner and some strokes in the upper edge, some fine strokes in the servant's face and in the carpet, and a very small spot in the black cloak of the sitting figure. This picture is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
"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

In a sumptuous tiled interior, with mother-of-pearl inlaid doors, two Arab men enjoy a midday meal, attended by a Nubian servant carrying a distinctive pointed tagine pot. Following his visits to Constantinople, where he became fascinated with Iznik tiles and dishes, Ernst took a particular interest in rendering ceramics of all kinds. The better to understand their innate qualities, he even apprenticed in the manufacture of painted ceramic tiles on his return to Paris.

Ernst studied under Anselm Feuerbach at the Vienna Academy, but moved to Paris where, in 1883, he met Osman Hamdy Bey, the French-trained Turkish painter who was among the artists who inspired him to turn to Orientalist subjects. These would become central to Ernst's oeuvre, characterised by a colouristic resplendence and attention to detail. He made Fontenay-aux-Roses, near Paris, his home and studio, where he completed almost all of his paintings, using sketches and photographs made during his journeys to Morocco, Egypt, and Constantinople.