This beautiful late 19th-century oil painting by German artist Otto Kirberg (1850-1926) depicts a young woman reading by an open window. It’s a charming portrayal capturing a moment of calm.

Otto Kirberg was an accomplished painter of genre subjects - both contemporary and historical. He studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy under Oswald Achenbach (1827-1905) and later at Wilhelm Sohn's (1829-1899) studio. In 1879, he undertook a lengthy tour of the Netherlands where he developed a love for the Dutch Golden Age. For the rest of his career, he enjoyed depicting precise scenes featuring figures within interiors, inspired by the masters of the past. He is represented at the National Gallery in Berlin.

A skilful work with particularly delicate handling on the fabrics and skin.

Signed in the lower left and held within a gilt frame, which is probably original. A larger version of this painting sold at Bonhams in 1992 for £2,200.

Learn more about Otto Kirberg in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 24½” x 21” / 62cm x 53cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Frame restored. Frame with light marks and signs of age including an old repair.
Artist’s auction maximum: £11,934
Our reference: BRV1610