6023 - Heiss, Johann

Heiss, Johann Allegory of Summer. Oil on canvas, with relining. 53 x 62 cm. Circa 1680. Johann Heiss received his training from both Hans Conrad Sichelbein (1581–1669) and Johann Sichelbein (1648–1719) in Augsburg, drawing particular inspiration from the works of Italian masters such as Veronese, Tintoretto, and Poussin’s Italian followers. He ultimately began his career as court painter to Duke Eberhard III of Württemberg (1614–1674). Heiss developed his own distinctive painterly style, evident in multi-figure mythological scenes, historical subjects, and, above all, allegories. Heiss was particularly fascinated by the depiction of allegories of the seasons and the elements (see Peter Königfeld: The Painter Johann Heiss. Memmingen and Augsburg 1640–1704, Weißenhorn 2001, nos. B 4 and B 53). Our work can easily be interpreted as an allegory of summer. The zodiac signs Leo, Cancer, and Gemini, which adorn the summer sky, are a clear reference to summer; added to these are ripe peaches, watermelons, garden fruits, and golden grain, which can be seen as further symbols of this season. Peter Königfeld confirms the authorship of Johann Heiss (email dated June 14, 2013). Provenance: Private collection, Berlin. - Please request condition reports for the lots, as the condition is usually not listed in the catalog. - Please ask for condition reports for individual lots, as the condition is usually not mentioned in the catalog.