Sketches of grotesque figures

Details

Ausstellung:
Carl Spitzweg (1808-1885). Vor und hinter den Kulissen, Schlossmuseum Murnau, 2009, Ausst.-Kat. (bearb. von Brigitte Salmen), S. 132, Kat.-Nr. 118, mit farb. Abb.

Provenienz:
Hugo Helbing, München, Auktion 1.7.1909, Los 56;
Michael Berolzheimer (1866–1942), Fürth, Untergrainau und New York (in obiger Auktion erworben);
Privatbesitz, Süddeutschland.

Description

Spitzweg is known for the satirical exaggeration of his character types, which often take on grotesque traits. In this study sheet, he brings together eight fundamentally different, sometimes fantastic characters: a wordless profile head, Hercules, a disgruntled, snub-nosed nun, a belligerent gnome armed with a shotgun and other bizarre characters. – Faint light-staining in the former passepartout section. Paper minimally brownish discoloured in the corners (probably due to old mounting). In good condition.
A possible seizure during the National Socialist era is excluded after consultation with the Holocaust Claims Processing Office, New York. We would like to thank Rebecca Friedman, Esq. for her assessment.