LOT 107
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Lot 107
RUDOLF HIRTH DU FRENES (German 1846-1916)
Belle of the Ball
Oil on canvas
Signed lower left
19 inches x 31.25 inches (48 cm x 80 cm)
Estimate:
$5,000 - 7,500
€ 3,700 - 5,600
Rudolf Hirth du Frênes was an accomplished painter whose training began at the art school in Nuremberg and culminated at the Munich Academy. In the year 1869, while studying in Munich, he, along with artists Wilhelm Leibl, Johann Sperl and Theodor Alt, set up a group studio which came to be known as the Leibl-Kreis (Leibl Circle). There, they continued to explore realism accentuated by Gustave Courbet who stayed with the group while exhibiting his works in Munich. Du Frênes debuted at his first Salon around 1870, exhibiting in Vienna, Berlin and Munich. From around 1880-1885, he traveled and painted in Holland, Belgium, and France, eventually returning to Munich. His body of work covered a wide variety of subjects including landscapes, genre and portraits. The offered lot, Belle of the Ball, is an excellent example of du Frênes’s virtuosity both as a technically gifted painter and storyteller. At left center, the belle of the ball coquettishly shields her face with a fan while dancing with an admirer who himself is being admired by the two young women seated at mid-right awaiting their turn. Behind the belle, another young woman takes in the scene while her dance partner only has eyes for her. At far right, the young maidservant descending the steps with refreshments has herself drawn the attention of a tipsy admirer with bottle in hand. In the background, cast in the shadows, are the older generations who provide music for the affair and, further back still, reminisce about similar nights from their youth. Contrasted with the background, which speaks of fading memories and old age, the forefront, cast in light reflecting the brilliant silk clothing and vibrant flesh tones, masterfully conveys the timeless allure of youth.
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