Lot 144
  • 144

ALFRED KUBIN | St. Martinus der heilige Ritter beobachtet mit dem Zeichner das Leben und Treiben am Graben in Wien (St Martin the Holy Knight and the Artist Observe Life and the Daily Grind at the Graben in Vienna)

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Alfred Kubin
  • St. Martinus der heilige Ritter beobachtet mit dem Zeichner das Leben und Treiben am Graben in Wien (St Martin the Holy Knight and the Artist Observe Life and the Daily Grind at the Graben in Vienna)
  • signed AKubin, titled and inscribed so geschehen im Dezember a.d.1920 (lower right); stamped with the Max Morgenstern collector's mark on the verso
  • pen and ink and watercolour on paper
  • sheet: 35.8 by 26.2cm., 14 1/8 by 10 1/4 in.
  • image: 30.8 by 20.6cm., 12 1/8 by 8 1/8 in.
  • Executed in December 1920.

Provenance

Maximilian (Max) & Hertha Morgenstern, Vienna (acquired from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owners

Condition

Executed on cream laid paper, not laid down, and hinged to the mount in two places along the upper edge. The sheet is time-stained, and shows signs that the over-mount previously covered more of the sheet than is currently covered. The upper and right edges are deckled. There are a few scattered spots of foxing in places and a small nick to the lower part of the right edge. There are some old tape remnants to the verso to all four corners, which should ideally be removed. This work is in overall 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."

Catalogue Note

Alluding to Morgenstern’s patronage, Kubin would often depict Max Morgenstern in the guise of St Martin, evoking the tale of the Roman soldier who shared his cloak with a beggar. On the occasion of Max and Hertha’s engagement, Kubin sent a hand-drawn card, portraying Max Morgenstern as St Martin, against the backdrop of Cupid’s arrow piercing a red heart. Carrying a folder entitled Kubin Sammlung (Kubin Collection) and a bunch of flowers, he is depicted approaching the boudoir of his beloved Hertha. A similar narrative is reflected in the present lot as the ink drawing depicts Kubin as a street harp player while Max and Hertha Morgenstern walk by. The works suggests Max Morgenstern’s proud and supportive patronage of the artist as he is shown giving the harp player money. Hertha, on the other hand, looks away with an uninterested expression, perhaps suggesting the known fact that Hertha did not find Kubin’s works as appealing as her husband and did not attempt to hide her views.



The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Dr. Peter Assmann.