Rudolf von Alt

Vinzenz Ritter von Miller zu Aichholz (by 1909)
Gabriele Miller zu Aichholz  (by 1912)
Carl Herz von Hertenried (by 1920)
Private Collection, Austria
Sale: im Kinsky, Vienna, 24 February 2009, lot 13
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Vienna, Secession, Gedächtnisausstellung zum 100. Geburtstag Rudolf von Alts, 42. Ausstellung, 1912, no. 114
Vienna, Künstlerhaus, 40. Aquarellisten Ausstellung, 1926, no. 31

Arthur Roessler, Rudolf von Alt. 1812-1905, Vienna, 1909, no. 100, illustrated
Ludwig Hevesi, Rudolf Alt. Sein Leben und sein Werk, Vienna, 1911, p. 99, illustrated
Walter Koschatzky, Rudolf von Alt. 1812-1905, Salzburg, 1975 & 2001, no. 72/09, listed

Watercolour on paper laid by the artist onto papercard. There is a vertical paper join in the right quadrant, which has been retouched by the artist (visible in the catalogue illustration). Apart from some yellowing to the paper and uneven time staining this work is in good condition.
"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."

Alt travelled to Rome via Venice in the autumn of 1872, the year Rome became the capital of a united Italy. Staying at the Hotel America, he immersed himself in his work, inspired this time by the city's classical past and Roman ruins. 'Apart from certain improvements which say very little about the taste of the Romans, the city fills me with the awe of old,' he wrote (Koschatzky, p. 161). The present work was formerly owned by the renowned Austrian collector Carl Herz von Hertenried (fig.1). Adding to the collection of his father Julius, Carl assembled a major von Alt collection.

The label referring to the Vienna Künstlerhaus exhibition on the reverse has been confirmed by Mag. Paul Rachler/Archive of the Künstlerhaus.