Max Liebermann

Dr. Alfred Guttmann, Sykkylwen, Norway (acquired from the artist)

Berlin, Frühjahrsausstellung der preußischen Akademie der Künste,  1928, no. 143

Karl Scheffler, 'Berliner Frühjahrsausstellungen - die Grosse Berliner Frühjahrsausstellungen der Akademie', in: Kunst und Künstler, vol. XXVI, no. 10, 1928, pp. 370 & 399, illustrated
Matthias Eberle, Max Liebermann 1847-1935, Werkverzeichnis der Gemälde und Ölstudien, 1900-1935, Munich, vol. II, 1996, p. 1188, no. 1928/3, catalogued & illustrated

Original canvas. Ultraviolet light reveals no signs of retouching. Apart from some small patches of paint loss, mainly along the lower periphery of the work and to a spot at the centre of the upper edge, some spots of craquelure to the heavier impasto, and pinholes along the edges of the canvas, the work is in overall good original condition. Held in a decorative, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood frame.
"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."

Alfred Guttmann (1873-51) was the son of the renowned Berlin art patron Albrecht Guttmann. Having studied medicine and music, Alfred Guttmann worked as a concert singer before he eventually decided to become a psychologist.  He published numerous books on psychology, economics and art, and friends such as Liebermann, Slevogt and Leistikow served as 'guinea pigs' for his book Die Wirklichkeit und ihr künstlerisches Abbild.

The friendship between Liebermann and the Guttmanns was long standing. In addition to his portrait by Liebermann, Alfred Guttmann owned at least two more works by the artist. His father's collection, which was auctioned at Cassirer-Helbing in Berlin in 1917, comprised five paintings by the artist.

Alfred and his wife Eva emigrated to Norway in 1939.