Max Kaltenmoser

An Interesting Read

Max Kaltenmoser

An Interesting Read

An exquisite oil on canvas depicting a late 18th-century lady reading a book while sprawled across a sofa.

It’s the height of decadence and she’s clearly lost in a love story. Note the symbolic references - the glint of a ring, a single rose… It’s interesting that the rose is atop black lace. Could she be mourning a loved one? Or is it simply a fashionable black shawl.

The artist Max Kaltenmoser (1842-1887) was highly skilled at capturing light within attractive interiors. See how her face is partially lit as she uses her hand as a shade. And how the light falls beautifully across the drapery.

But perhaps the most charming element is the turquoise shoe - slightly exposed as she rests it on a footstool.

The painting is monogrammed, signed/dated in the top right and housed within a fine 19th-century gilt frame.

Learn more about Max Kaltenmoser in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 22” / 64cm x 56cm
Year of creation: 1873
Condition: Overall very presentable.
Artist’s Auction Highlight: £15,200 achieved for 'A Game of Dice' at Christie's in 1995.

Conservation & History

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. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

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