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WILHELM KUHNERT | Two Lions at Watch
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Wilhelm Kuhnert
- Two Lions at Watch
- signed Wilh. Kuhnert lower left
- oil on canvas laid down on board
- 86 by 64cm., 34 by 25¼in.
Provenance
Purchased from the artist by the grandparents of the present owner; thence by descent
Condition
Oil on canvas fully laid on board. There are some splits running vertically through the back of the board, some of which have been repaired. Otherwise, the board is flat. There are some areas of thinness to the paint with respective spots of paint loss (also visible in the catalogue illustration), notably in the rocks in the upper right quadrant and along the left framing edge. However, the paint surface appears to be stable. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals some areas of un-even fluorescence due to old residual varnish but no visible sign of retouching. Presented in a simple gilt 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Painted circa 1917, the present work reprises an earlier painting (WV no. 2415) executed during the artist's second trip to Africa in 1905. Although similar from a composition point of view, Two Lions at Watch is larger in size and, narrowing down its focus on the two lions, it presents them as the true protagonists within the African landscape.
Following the example of Germany’s celebrated animal painter Richard Friese, who advocated the study of wild animals in their native habitats, Wilhelm Kuhnert first travelled to East Africa in 1891. The demand for his impressive depictions of African wildlife led Kuhnert to return to the German and English colonial territories of East and South Africa on safari in 1905 and 1911-12. Of all of Kuhnert’s animal subjects, lions were a particular favorite and his deep connection with the animal earned him the nickname 'Lion-Kuhnert'.
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Dr Angelika Grettmann-Werner who will be including it in her forthcoming Kuhnert catalogue raisonné (WV no. 4028).
Following the example of Germany’s celebrated animal painter Richard Friese, who advocated the study of wild animals in their native habitats, Wilhelm Kuhnert first travelled to East Africa in 1891. The demand for his impressive depictions of African wildlife led Kuhnert to return to the German and English colonial territories of East and South Africa on safari in 1905 and 1911-12. Of all of Kuhnert’s animal subjects, lions were a particular favorite and his deep connection with the animal earned him the nickname 'Lion-Kuhnert'.
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Dr Angelika Grettmann-Werner who will be including it in her forthcoming Kuhnert catalogue raisonné (WV no. 4028).