ALBERT E. STERNER, (New York, 1863-1946), Pastel/Paper mounted to Canvas, Portrait of Karl J. Freund—The Connoisseur, signed and inscribed “Albert Sterner—N.Y.—1915” lower right, 32 inches by 26 inches, in a wood strip frame with gilt liner, under glass, measuring 33 inches by 27 inches overall.
Karl J. Freund was a prominent NYC art and antiques dealer throughout the first half of the 20th century. Objects he sold or brokered are included in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, the Boston Museum of Fine Art, the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL, and undoubtedly many other public and private collections. This lot is accompanied by a collection of reference materials highlighting the extensive nature of his dealings in the field.
Condition: There is a small patch repair from the back of the canvas at the extreme lower center, on the jacket sleeve of his arm. No other issues seen, and the colors are all strong and vibrant with no fading or smears. A backing board has recently been added to protect the canvas from the rear.