105 - M. SAVIGNY (1831–1905), An Old Watermill on the Edge of the Forest, Watercolor

M. SAVIGNY (1831–1905), An Old Watermill on the Edge of the Forest, Watercolor Marie von Savigny (1831 Boitzenburg–1905): Old Watermill on the Edge of the Forest, 19th century, Watercolor Technique: Watercolor on paper Date: 19th century Description: Freda Sophie Karoline Marie von Savigny, née Countess von Arnim (1831, Boitzenburg – 1905), is known to us as the wife of the Prussian envoy and co-founder of the Center Party, Karl Friedrich von Savigny (1814–1875). As such, she accompanied her husband on diplomatic trips and had to fulfill numerous representative duties and attend social events herself. It is possible that the artist discovered this picturesque scene in the Black Forest during her several-year stay in Baden in the mid-19th century. A mill with a large waterwheel and a small mill pond—which certainly looked antiquated even at that time—stands in a clearing in the forest. The horizon is bordered by conifers, which form a multi-layered wall with a striking sense of depth thanks to skillful splashes of color in pale and dark gray. The small mill building nestles beneath a gnarled old oak tree and is bathed in summer sunshine. It is difficult to tell whether the mill was still in operation at this time. At the moment Marie von Savigny drew the picture, there seems to be peace and quiet—perhaps the stillness of a Sunday or simply midday on a hot summer day. Keywords: 19th century, Romanticism, Landscape, Germany, Size: Paper: 22.0 cm x 39.5 cm (8.7 x 15.6 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Shows signs of age with minimal wear. The sheet is discolored due to age. Occasional pale foxing spots are visible. The edges of the sheet are damaged in places by creases and bumps, as well as a few short tears along the margins. The lower edge is uncut.