ALBERT ANKER | Der Neugeborene (Kompositionsstudie)

Private collection, Switzerland 

Horizontal crease of circa 5 cm in the upper right corner. Minor hole in paper in the right margin. Some paper abrasions and pigment losses in the upper right border. Paper crease in the left figure. There are some white accretion on the surface. Foxing marks visible in the left figure and on the oldest daughter in the right. Foxing marks around the signature. Paper abrasion on the dress of the oldest daughter. Pin holes visible along the upper margin and upper corners. Paper crease on the neck of the left figure. The back canvas has been repaired. Some losses and humidity traces. In very 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."

This drawing is registered in the Swiss Institute for Art Research (SIK-ISEA) under no. 86330. Bei der grossformatigen Zeichnung Der Neugeborene handelt es sich um eine qualitätsvolle Studie zum gleichnamigen Gemälde aus dem Jahr 1867, welches sich im Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts in Lausanne befindet. Das kleine Brüderchen fein eingebettet in eine einfache Wäschezeine wird von seinen vier Geschwister intensiv beobachtet. Die Mutter der fünf Kinder ruht in ihrem Bett. Sie erholt sich von den Strapazen der Geburt ihres jüngsten Kindes.

Albert Anker hat mit dieser Zeichnung einen intimen und bewegenden Moment im Leben einer Inser Familie wiedergegeben. Die vorliegende Zeichnung zählt zu Ankers besonders schönen Arbeiten zum Thema des menschlichen Lebenszyklus von Geburt, Kindheit und jungem Erwachsendasein bis hin zum Greisenalter.

This exceptional work is a study for the oil painting of the same title which belongs to the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts in Lausanne. Anker masterfully celebrates the cycle of life through the intimacy of a family: the newborn is surrounded by young children, teenagers and their mother resting in bed in the background.