1447 - Hans Thoma (1839 Bernau – 1924 Karlsruhe)

Hans Thoma (1839 Bernau – 1924 Karlsruhe) Merman with Seals A Symbolist work by Thoma set at the intersection of reality and the world of dreams, depicting a man lost in thought, crouching on a rock, who seems to have become the rock himself—a state from which even the curious seals cannot rouse him. Throughout his career, Thoma repeatedly explored the boundaries and transitions between different planes of existence. The figure of the solitary, world-weary, or contemplative individual plays a recurring role in his work. From 1880 to the early 1890s, Thoma repeatedly explored the motif of the man lost in thought, sitting alone on a rock by the sea, depicting him both as a naked youth and as a mature man. Thoma himself titled them “Solitude”; he titled the older man (Thode, ill. p. 304) “The Merman.” Gouache mixed media on light cardboard. Monogrammed and dated 1881. Old inscription on the reverse: “woodcut, glossy gold,” possibly the artist’s note regarding framing. Minimal edge tear. 43 cm x 39 cm. Mixed media on light cardboard. Monogrammed and dated.