Max Liebermann

Ernst Keiler, Germany (acquired in Germany in the 1930s)
A gift from the above in the 1970s

The work is in excellent condition. The canvas is unlined. The surface features a rich impasto that has been well preserved. Under UV light: certain original pigments fluoresce.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Painted with an earthy palette and loose brushstrokes, the present work is an excellent example of Liebermann's late Impressionistic style. The lapping waves and almost abstract horizon are merely suggested by specks of blue, orange, and cream-colored pigment while the splashing figures are rendered with thick impasto that make them resemble sculptures in low-relief. The anonymity of the bathers, the lack of discernible landmarks and the placement of the viewer in the water creates a sense of democratic intimacy. It is as if we too are taking part in this leisurely activity with the painting's subjects. The long-standing interest among Western artists in depicting the nude human figure and the proliferation of painting en plein air made the theme of bathers popular among late nineteenth-century painters in both Europe and the United States (see fig. 1). Throughout his career, Liebermann made many trips to the North Sea coast of Holland, where his masterful command of color and brushstroke on canvas enlivened fleeting and atmospheric scenes of everyday coastal life and the pursuits of leisure-goers relaxing along the shore. 



The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Prof. Dr Matthias Eberle.