Portrait of an old woman, attributed to Wilhelm Maria Hubertus Leibl (1844-1900). Not signed. The portrait of the old woman, holding a Bible, is very alive, definitely has a soul and emanates good feelings. Approximate age: 1873-1878. Dimensions of the canvas: 31' x 43' = 77.5 cm x 107.5 cm. Dimensions of the frame: 43" x 57' inches = 109 cm x 142.5 cm. Original old wooden massive frame has a minor defect 4 x 2 inch (chip) in the left upper corner. On the back of the painting there is a sign of the company, which framed the painting: "5-F Rue N. D. Des Champs, Paris Paul Foinet, Van Eyck, Toiles & couleurs fines" « Pure Painting » In pictorial representation everything can be beautiful, including things that are not beautiful in life, for example, an ugly girl or an old woman; for in art it is a question of what is depicted, but only of how it is depicted, and beauty must lie in the painting itself, not in the subject. Wilhelm Trubner, Das Kunstverstandnis von heute (Art as it is understood today), 1892 Provenance: The painting was bought in 2006 on estate sale in Clearwater, FL, USA from 90-years old German Immigrant (who moved from Germany after Second World War) by respected antique art dealer Mr. Z in Clearwater. Bought by Eternity Gallery in 2010 from antique dealer Mr. Z . Magnification research: This is an oil painting on canvas with heavy brush strokes. Compare to background, the face has very defined details of the skin structure with significant and impressive look of the eyes. The hands are painted very well, showing details (cracked nails, etc.). Clothing is made in impressionistic nature, showing the bright red, deep green and brown colors. There is an old (not restored varnish), cracks all over the canvas, including background and body and face. Research under ultraviolet light: Considering the age of the painting, which is approximately 135 years, condition of the painting is almost perfect. There is a slight damage (size 2.5 x 1 inch) above the right hand which has been professionally restored. There are 3 tiny scratches (5-10mm) painted over, with dark paint, in the background. Research of the backside (verso) of the canvas: -How come a German artist made a painting on the French canvas? Speculations: Gustave Courbet (a very well know painter from France) took him to France, after he met him at a Gallery in Munich. The canvas stamped PAUL FOINET could be purchased in Paris.
Condition: Original old wooden massive frame has a minor defect 4 x 2 inch (chip) in the left upper corner. Considering the age of the painting, which is approximately 135 years, condition of the painting is almost perfect. There is a slight damage (size 2.5 x 1 inch) above the right hand which has been professionally restored. There are 3 tiny scratches (5-10mm) painted over, with dark paint, in the background.
Low Estimate: 100000;
High Estimate: 250000;
Original: Yes;
Medium: Oil Paint;
Circa: 1875;
Style: Classicism