Dame Mit Facher (Lady With A Fan), hailed as a “technological masterpiece,” is set to be featured in Sotheby’s prestigious modern and contemporary evening auction in London on June 27. This painting was created during Klimt’s artistic prime, at a time when he transitioned from the formalities of his earlier commissioned work to embrace a newfound expressivity. Sadly, the artist passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 in 1918.
Klimt embarked on the creation of Lady With A Fan in 1917, when he had already established himself as one of Europe’s most acclaimed portraitists, commanding prices much higher than his peers. Nevertheless, this particular artwork was a rare piece conceived solely out of his personal interests, showcasing a “freedom and spontaneity” that captured Klimt’s joy in painting, according to experts.
Distinct from traditional vertically-oriented “portrait” paintings, Lady With A Fan reverts back to the square format that Klimt employed in his avant-garde landscapes earlier in the century, giving the artwork a distinctively modern touch. The influence of Chinese and Japanese art and culture is also evident in the portrayal of the subject’s silken kimono.
Helena Newman, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and worldwide head of impressionist and modern art, lauds the painting as a “boundary-pushing experiment,” emphasizing its significance as Gustav Klimt’s final portrait before his untimely demise. Newman describes this piece as a technical masterpiece brimming with artistic exploration and a sincere tribute to absolute beauty.
Shortly after Klimt’s passing, the painting was acquired by Viennese industrialist Erwin Boohler, whose family were close friends and patrons of both Klimt and fellow painter Egon Schiele. This upcoming exhibition at Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries will mark the first time that three major portraits by Klimt will be showcased simultaneously in the capital. Joining Lady With A Fan will be Hermine Gallia from 1904 and Adele Bloch-Bauer II from 1912, currently on display in the National Gallery’s After Impressionism show.
Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary evening auction on June 27 will feature a notable collection of portraits by renowned artists including Alberto Giacometti, Edvard Munch, Leonor Fini, Elizabeth Peyton, and Kerry James Marshall. With its remarkable lineup, the auction promises to be a celebration of artistic mastery and innovation.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
