This splendid late-18th-century oil painting by German artist Andreas Range (1762-1835) depicts a seated architect with dividers, diagram and book. Born in the historic city of Kassell in Germany, Range was a distinguished painter of animals, portraits, history subjects and landscapes who received Royal patronage.
An astute gentleman with a glint in his eye looks out towards the viewer. His right hand holds a set of dividers, his left rests on a prominent black book. He’s composed, intellectual, and exceptionally successful.
Born in Kassel, a grand old city in central Germany, Range spent his entire career working in his hometown. He trained at the Kassell Art Academy where he later became a professor and became renowned for his portraits and history paintings. A true classicist, his approach was based upon strict adherence to the masters of antiquity and, as such, he was popular with aristocratic patrons.
Around 1800, he began teaching oil painting to the Royal Highness Prince William II of Hesse-Kassel (1777-1847), the son of William I, Elector of Hesse - an opportunity which paved the way for several commissions. In 1806, he produced a portrait of William II and, having ingratiated himself, he was asked to work at the magnificent Wilhelmshöhe Palace. Constructed in the late 18th century, the Palace is a neoclassical gem, and Range was entrusted with painting numerous life-size portraits of the Hessian Royal family for display. Fitted into wall panels between windows, the result was an outstanding one.
In addition, 15 further works, primarily landscapes and historical scenes, were produced for both William I and II with most of these intended for palaces. ‘A roebuck and a doe’ was hung at a private residence, while ‘Telemachus with Calypso in a cave’ was sent to Wilhelmshöhe. Many of these were of large proportions, between four and five feet wide.
Aside from his Royal connections, during his time as a Professor at the Academy, he taught Ludwig Emil Grimm (1790-1863), another brother of the famous folklorists, the Brothers Grimm.
Range’s career was halted in 1824 due to an eye condition, which resulted in blindness. Today, he’s consigned to the dusty archives of German repositories.
Signed, dated and held in a later frame.
Learn more about Andreas Range in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 32” x 40” / 72cm x 102cm
Year of creation: 1794
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Areas of in-painting following old restorations. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1899
