1701 - Theater

Theater Hungermüller, Joseph Design for a theater backdrop. ca. 1810. Watercolor and black pen on sturdy vellum. 40.2 x 53 cm. Signed and dated. Partially mounted on a backing. Joseph Hungermüller, a Bavarian theater painter, designed an imposing theater backdrop, richly adorned with architectural elements and exemplifying his extraordinary imagination. The view opens onto a space with a circular, fanning-out layout, supported by Doric columns and coffered arcade arches. Sculptural figures and figurative friezes, floral garlands, and sphinxes alternate impressively with the blue-painted Doric columns adorned with symbol-laden decorative bands. Hungermüller transports the viewer into a world of fantasy and exuberant opulence, a masterful display of formal diversity. - Isolated, slight creases along the edges, especially at the top, and occasional light brown spots; a small tear at the bottom left and another in the center, both caused by mounting; a small tear along the edge at the bottom center; slightly detached on the reverse; overall in good condition. The colors are fresh. Watercolor and black ink on strong wove paper. Signed and dated. Spot-mounted to an underlying mat. - Joseph Hungermüller, a Bavarian theater painter, designed an imposing theater backdrop, richly adorned with architectural elements and renowned for his extraordinary imagination. The scene opens onto a circular, fanning space supported by Doric columns and coffered arcade arches. Sculptural figures and friezes, floral garlands, and sphinxes alternate impressively with the blue-framed Doric columns adorned with symbol-laden scrollwork. Hungermüller transports us into a world of fantasy and exuberant opulence, a masterful display of formal diversity. - Isolated slight crease marks in the margins, especially at the top, and isolated slight brown stains; lower left and center with a small tear due to mounting; lower center with a small marginal tear; verso slightly loose; overall in good condition. Colors are fresh. This lot is subject to standard taxation. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union. This work is subject to the standard tax regime. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints, and photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.