This early 20th-century portrait by German artist Peter Von Hamme-Voitus (1880-1936) depicts an elegant woman playing the mandolin before a late evening view.
Attired in a flowing white dress and wide-brimmed hat, she gazes somewhat wistfully into the yonder. A classically-inspired maiden with a celestial air, akin to a beauteous figure from Grecian mythology. An exquisitely-rendered mandolin rests upon her lap - the melody near-audible amid sumptuous chiaroscuro.
Inspired by the Italian old masters, Von Hamme-Voitus portrayed his figures with a sense of otherworldly aloofness. He created distance, whereby we’re on the outside looking in - admiring their statuesque allure. The natural world was also a key tenet of his philosophy. It’s interesting to consider whether the sitter here commissioned this piece - as an accomplished musician keen to reference her talents.
Signed/dated in the bottom left and housed within a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 38” x 44½” / 97cm x 113cm
Year of creation: 1930
Labels & Inscriptions: ‘Munich’
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £2,427
German artist Peter von Hamme-Voitus is predominantly known for figure painting, portraits and still lifes. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he received a formal education under Otto Seitz and Gabriel von Hackl at the Munich Academy. He was also a master student of Carl von Marr and exhibited at the 1924 Munich Art Exhibition. His works are held in various public collections including at the Lenbachhaus, Munich.
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 often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
