PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN:
NEWLY DISCOVERED PASTORAL PAINTING BY F. G. WALDMÜLLER LEADS
19th Century European Art
AT CHRISTIE’S LONDON ON 22 MAY 2013
ALONGSIDE A MONUMENTAL WORK BY FRANZ VON STUCK
OFFERED DIRECTLY FROM THE ARTIST’S FAMILY
London – Christie’s has announced two paintings that are fresh to the market, which will be offered at auction for the first time as part of the 19th Century European Art sale, in London, on 22 May 2013. A newly discovered pastoral painting by renowned Austrian painter from the Biedermeier period, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller (1793-1865), A Doric Temple in Sicily with Castelmola and Taormina beyond has been confirmed by the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, as being a part of a group of pictures executed by the artist in the 1840’s (estimate: £200,000-300,00.). A sketch by the artist reflecting the upper right corner of Castelmola is in the collection of the Belvedere, making the discovery of this painting an exciting moment in art history.
The auction will also be led by one of the most important paintings by Franz Von Stuck, Hercules and the Hydra, 1915, which is displayed in the artist’s original frame and has been part of the artist’s family for many decades (estimate: £250,000-350,000 ).
Presenting a cross-section from different cultural and geographical milieus, the sale will also include a wide variety of works that demonstrate the influence of the many intellectual and social currents of the 19th century. Featuring 89 lots, the sale will be further highlighted by works from the Barbizon, Orientalist, Romantic and Academic schools, which will be led by Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot and Gustave Courbet landscapes, a selection of Franz Von Stuck symbolist paintings and sculptures and a marketplace scene by Orientalist Alberto Pasini.