A fine late 19th-century oil on canvas depicting a cottage interior by German artist, Hugo Oehmichen (1843-1932).
The focal point is a heavy wooden door with a shelf above it holding books, jars and fruit. While on our left a simple handmade table houses at least two pairs of leather boots.
But perhaps the most interesting element to the room is the red tunic that prominently hangs alongside the door. Oehmichen has chosen a composition that provides some emphasis on this tunic, so perhaps there’s a story here. Could it be a keepsake from a relative killed during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)? Or does it belong to the current occupier who is a serving Prussian Officer? We may never know but it’s an interesting addition to the scene.
Hugo Oehmichen was a precocious talent and quickly found his way into the Royal Academy in Dresden. In 1862 and 1864 he won Academy medals and one of his works was purchased by the King. He travelled around Europe on study trips fairly often but was probably in Dresden when he painted this. It’s quite unusual for Oehmichen as he’s generally known for genre scenes that include several figures.
Many of his works have been sold through the leading auction houses including Christie’s and Sotheby’s. You can also find one of his engravings in the British Museum.
The painting is signed/dated in the lower right and housed within an appropriate later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19½” x 17½” / 50cm x 44cm
Year of creation: 1877
Provenance: Germany
Condition: Very presentable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £27,036 achieved for Der Steuerzahltag at an auction in Switzerland (also painted in 1877).