Bidspirit auction | August Rieper (1865-1940)

August Rieper (1865-1940) - Judith, circa 1910. Oil on canvas, dated circa 1910, signed ”A. Rieper” in the lower left corner, original label on the reverse: ”Aug. Rieper München - No. 729 ”Judith.” Condition: minor cracks, chips, old retouching. Unframed, dimensions approx. 94 x 126.5 cm Description of the work: ”Judith” The painting ”Judith” depicts a nude young woman with a rosary in her hair, sitting on an ottoman against the backdrop of a red curtain and a mountainous landscape with a castle. The woman holds a large knife in her right hand, a reference to the biblical figure of Judith, who in the Old Testament killed the Assyrian commander Holofernes. Rieper depicts Judith in a more erotic and sensual manner, departing from traditional depictions of this figure. The model may have been the artist's wife, which adds an additional dimension of intimacy to the work. The painting, executed using an impasto technique with broad brushstrokes, is signed in the lower left corner and dated circa 1910. Interesting Facts Rieper was not only a renowned artist, but his works found buyers among figures such as Emperor Wilhelm II and Archduke Franz Ferdinand, testifying to his renown in the art world.