Johann Conrad Seekatz

Both supports consist of single flat panels which are bevelled along the edges. The paint surfaces are secure and clean. Some frame abrasion is present in both paintings. Inspection under UV light reveals that the former has been been retouched in some of the darker areas of the figure group and the latter has some minor scattered retouchings in the sky and to the girl in the centre foreground. Could both hang now. Both offered in wood and plaster frames in fair condition.
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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."

Johann Seekatz's early works, as court painter to Landgraf Ludwig VIII von Hesse-Darmstadt in Darmstadt, were biblical and mythological scenes in the Rococo style. However he soon abandoned these subjects and began to paint the genre scenes of peasant life for which he is primarily known, making a name for himself as an exponent of an early form of social realism through his idealistic portrayal of poverty.  This is evident in the present paintings which are different to the usual genre scenes of domesticity or tavern life. Despite being poorly dressed and in modest surroundings the peasants are depicted enjoying both music, through the travelling singer, and art, through the wares of the print seller.
Both paintings are offered with their respective engravings.