108 - MODERSOHN, OTTO

MODERSOHN, OTTO 1865 Soest–1943 Rotenburg Title: Moonrise. Date: ca. 1923/24. Technique: Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 67 x 101 cm. Inscription: Signed lower left: O Modersohn. Frame: Artisan-made frame. This painting is a reworking of one of the artist’s most sought-after motifs, which he repeatedly adapted for commissioned works. The first version, “Moonrise over the Moor,” was painted in 1897 and is now in the Weimar Castle Museum. We are grateful to Mr. Rainer Noerres of the Otto Modersohn Museum in Fischerhude/Ottersberg for his kind scholarly support. Provenance: - Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia - VAN HAM Art Auctions, Cologne, 272nd auction, December 3, 2008, lot 140 - Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia (acquired from the previous owner) - A characteristic landscape depiction of the Worpswede marsh by the most famous representative of the artists’ colony - At that time, this motif was one of the artist’s most sought-after subjects, repeatedly commissioned in various variations - With delicate color adjustments, the artist masterfully captures the landscape in the evening twilight Throughout his career, Otto Modersohn focused on landscape painting. Inspired by the French Barbizon painters, he developed an artistic style that expressed a direct relationship with nature, unencumbered by academic conventions. In his naturalistic compositions, deeply rooted in his homeland, he was concerned not so much with capturing details as with the overall chromatic effect. Thus, his balanced compositions are rendered in subtle color harmonies of gray, blue, and brown tones, enlivened by bright red accents. “Moonrise” is rendered in the same manner. In the evening twilight, a moor ditch, meadows with birch trees rustling in the wind, and solitary cottages come into view, above which wispy bands of clouds drift across the sky. In the foreground stands a little girl, seen from behind. Leaning against a tree, she is lost in contemplation of this natural spectacle. At the same time, the child invites us to follow her example and become one with nature. A harmonious and emotive atmosphere emanates from this painting. It is a striking example of the poetry and quiet grandeur inherent in Modersohn’s works. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: This lot is not suitable for parcel shipping. Transportation is available only through a shipping company, subject to consultation following the auction. Additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance Up to a total invoice amount of 25,000 euros: max. 41.65 euros Over a total invoice amount of 25,000 euros: 1.8 per thousand Shipping to the USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #Otto Modersohn #Expressionism #Berlin Secession #Germany #Modern Art #1920s #Figure / Figures #Painting #Modern Art.