ERNEST BIÉLER | Portraits à Grindelwald, 1906

Private collection, Switzerland

Berne, Kunstmuseum/Martigny, Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Ernest Biéler, (1863-1948), Geträumte Wirklichkeit/Ernest Biéler (1863-1948), Réalité rêvée, 2011/12, no. 50

Ernest Biéler, (1863-1948), Geträumte Wirklichkeit/Ernest Biéler (1863-1948), Réalité rêvée, exhibition catalogue, Berne 2011/12 no. 50 p. 123, 269 ill. 

Canvas buckling notably visible in lower right corner and in upper right edge of the work. Scattered tiny Paint / pigment losses in four quadrants of the work mostly located upper painted figures. One scratch in lower right corner. Several light areas of abrasions and rubbings notably in upper left corner and at center of upper right quadrant. Some repairs on lower part of the two central figures. Specks and dark dots on surface possibly consistent to use and time. Very good condition.
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Grindelwald erfuhr nach 1900 einen wirtschaftlichen Aufschwung, indem vermehrt Feriengäste aus dem In- und Ausland den beliebten Kurort im Berner Oberland besuchten. Die ganze Jungfrau-Region erfreute sich grosser Beliebtheit. Im Winter kamen die Gäste aus der Stadt mit ihren Familien zum Schneesport und im Sommer in die Sommerfrische. In unserem grossformatigen und wunderbaren Gemälde hat Ernest Biéler feingekleidete Kinder einer wohlsituierten Gästefamilie auf einer blühenden Alpenwiese bei einem sommerlichen Ausflug festgehalten. This painting of iconic status for the artist depicts the four children of the Golliez de Wippens family from Cossonay during their holidays in Grindelwald. The monumental composition is deeply influenced by the "Déjeuner sur l'herbe" realised by Edouard Manet in 1863 and reveals Biélers' remarkable attention to decorative elements such as flowers and textiles which complete the exquisite description of the landscape.

This painting will be included in the upcoming catalogue raisonné of Ernest Biéler by Ethel Mathier and it is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.