113 - M. SAVIGNY (1831–1905), A Secluded House in the Black Forest, ca. 1856, Pencil

M. SAVIGNY (1831–1905), A Secluded House in the Black Forest, ca. 1856, Pencil Marie von Savigny (1831, Boitzenburg – 1905): Lonely House by the River in the Black Forest, c. 1856, pencil Technique: Pencil on paper Inscription: Inscribed and signed lower left “Schwarzwald. M. v. S.” Date: c. 1856 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. In an unknown river valley stands a solitary wooden house in the typical style of Black Forest farmhouses. On the veranda, an oversized crucifix commemorates the Passion of Christ and suggests a devout household. As a memento mori—along with the scattered crows or ravens on the roof and the gloomy mood in the valley—it exudes an austere, thought-provoking atmosphere. The artistic technique of rubbing deserves special mention; the artist employs it here with consummate skill. Billowing clouds and fading rock formations are depicted with a realistic visual quality and impress with their delicate detail. Keywords: 19th century, Romanticism, Landscape, Germany, Size: Paper: 18.3 cm x 26.5 cm (7.2 x 10.4 in) Condition: Good condition. In condition appropriate for its age, with minimal signs of wear. The sheet is discolored due to its age and is somewhat rubbed in places. There is a white stain on the left.