This exquisite mid-19th-century portrait by Austrian artist Heinrich Hollpein (1814-1888) depicts a lady before a classically-inspired landscape.
Attired in a fine black dress with lace embellishments, she rests within a tranquil setting. The glow of a conspicuous gold wedding band as radiant as her eyes. She’s widowed, yet enduring, rooted in the scenery akin to the ancient bough of an autumnal oak tree.
Beyond, a river winds through verdant sun-charred plains towards distant peaks rendered in hazy blue. A life-giving force, drawn upon for centuries, thriving in perpetuity. She’s caught between worlds, pining for the next, yet stoic in the present. Strong, statuesque and shimmering.
Hollpein was remarkable and travelled extensively for his work. In 1855, when he produced this piece, he was based in either Rome, Munich or Vienna. His portraits carry a sense of old master refinement coupled with 19th-century sentiment. An emotion expressed gently amid a cascade of romantic symbolism.
Signed/dated and held within a beautiful gilt frame with foliate.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36” x 44½” / 92cm x 113cm
Year of creation: 1855
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,709
Heinrich Hollpein trained at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna. He exhibited extensively. He’s represented at the National Art Museum of Ukraine, Transcarpathian Regional Art Museum, Cherkasy Regional Art Museum, and the National Museum, Prague.
Learn more about Heinrich Hollpein in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work.
