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American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists
|
- Sale 2105
Live
| Philadelphia
Dec 8 | 2:00 PM EST
Live
| Philadelphia
Sale 2105
| Philadelphia
| Philadelphia
Estimate$15,000 – $25,000
Severin Roesen’s autumnal still life displays a sensual array of fruit on a gray marble ledge adjacent to a flute of effervescent champagne. Best known for his floral subjects, the German-born artist adapted his practice to satisfy the demands of affluent American collectors, who tended to favor fruit-filled compositions to flowers. Executed a decade after Roesen relocated to the United States, the present work boasts all the luminousness and virtuosity of his previous efforts.
Roesen’s mastery over the still life genre lies in his ability to capture the sumptuousness of nature with precision and painstaking attention to detail. His works, characterized by a vibrant palette and lush, bountiful compositions, approach fruit (and flowers and foliage) as “sculptural” objects. Modeled in three dimensions, with all the weight and definition one might expect, each is arranged in an overlapping manner, creating an atmosphere of luxury and abundance.
At a commanding 37 x 44 inches, the present work is a tour de force of Roesen’s observational skill and technical acumen. The fruits, comprised of luscious grapes, succulent peaches, raspberries, apples, and citrus, are articulate with a remarkable degree of realism. His choice of subject matter reflects not only a fascination with the aesthetic properties of fruit but also themes related to luxury, abundance, and the cycle of life. Roesen’s deft handling of light and shadow further enhances the illusion of three-dimensionality, creating a sense of tangible presence and of gravitas within the composition.
Underlying the strongest of Roesen's paintings is a symbolic visual language that adds additional layers of meaning to his fruit-filled presentations. The number and variety of fruit is suggestive of the spirit of optimism and opportunity—indeed of beauty and bounty—that pervaded antebellum America. Moreover, Roesen invites viewers to contemplate the richness of the natural world and to reflect upon the cyclical, fleeting nature of existence. Recalling the Dutch Old Master tradition of still life painting, works like the present lot are profound meditations on the interconnectedness of nature, art, and life.
Housed in an impressive giltwood period frame with stenciled ‘rustic rock’ pattern in the cove and floral ornaments on the outside.
Provenance:
Chapellier Gallery, New York, New York.
Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, New York.
Acquired directly from the above in 1977.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia (accession no. 77.12–museum purchase through the Williams Fund).
Lot Essay:
Severin Roesen’s autumnal still life displays a sensual array of fruit on a gray marble ledge adjacent to a flute of effervescent champagne. Best known for his floral subjects, the German-born artist adapted his practice to satisfy the demands of affluent American collectors, who tended to favor fruit-filled compositions to flowers. Executed a decade after Roesen relocated to the United States, the present work boasts all the luminousness and virtuosity of his previous efforts.
Roesen’s mastery over the still life genre lies in his ability to capture the sumptuousness of nature with precision and painstaking attention to detail. His works, characterized by a vibrant palette and lush, bountiful compositions, approach fruit (and flowers and foliage) as “sculptural” objects. Modeled in three dimensions, with all the weight and definition one might expect, each is arranged in an overlapping manner, creating an atmosphere of luxury and abundance.
At a commanding 37 x 44 inches, the present work is a tour de force of Roesen’s observational skill and technical acumen. The fruits, comprised of luscious grapes, succulent peaches, raspberries, apples, and citrus, are articulated with a remarkable degree of realism. His choice of subject matter reflects not only a fascination with the aesthetic properties of fruit but also themes related to luxury, abundance, and the cycle of life. Roesen’s deft handling of light and shadow further enhances the illusion of three-dimensionality, creating a sense of tangible presence and of gravitas within the composition.
Underlying the strongest of Roesen's paintings is a symbolic visual language that adds additional layers of meaning to his fruit-filled presentations. The number and variety of fruit is suggestive of the spirit of optimism and opportunity—indeed of beauty and bounty—that pervaded antebellum America. Moreover, Roesen invites viewers to contemplate the richness of the natural world and to reflect upon the cyclical, fleeting nature of existence. Recalling the Dutch Old Master tradition of still life painting, works like the present lot are profound meditations on the interconnectedness of nature, art, and life.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Adam Veil
VP, Head of Department, American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists
Framed behind glass. The wax-lined canvas in overall fair to good condition. The painting presents beautiful, with fresh colors and a nice finish. Examination under UV light reveals scattered restoration throughout. Some repairs along the top outer edge. With prominent, yet delicate and feathery, restoration at upper right quadrant, extending to center right, just above the marble ledge. Small repairs at upper left. All mostly concentrated in the background. The bottom outer edge is intact, and covered by a heavy layer of old greenish varnish (the signature included). The still life presents well and is almost intact, save for a few careful areas of inpainting. See for example: on the tip of the champagne glass at center left, on the yellow grapes overhanging over the raspberries in a bowl at bottom left. Some of the golden grapes at upper left have been enhanced. Similar blemishes visible on some of the peaches in the basket at bottom center right. Pinpoint dots of inpainting (likely old flakes) at bottom right on some of the apples. The main area of restoration is at upper center left, and consists of two parallel diagonal lines that were skillfully and dedicated inpainted (most likely an old scratch): one stretches for about 10 in. while the other is smaller and only extends on 1 1⁄2 in. Additional images available upon request.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
