Bidspirit auction | Johann Peters Hasenclever: The Wine

Johann Peters Hasenclever: The Wine Tasting - HASENCLEVER , JOHANN PETERS 1810 Remscheid–1853 Düsseldorf Title: The Wine Tasting. Date: 1847. Technique: Oil on canvas. Mounting: Relined. Measurement: 127 x 160cm. Notation: Signed and dated lower right: J.P. Hasenclever / 1847. Frame: Framed. The Wine Tasting, one of Johann Peter Hasenclever’s most significant works, captures a moment of convivial gathering that goes far beyond the simple act of drinking. Dated 1847, the painting represents one of the earliest versions of a theme that the artist revisited the following year for Frederick William IV of Prussia, and forms part of a series of works depicting drinking scenes. With its monumental composition, The Wine Tasting brings together a multitude of figures of varying ages, all engaged in the act of wine tasting – a symbol of the coming together of classes and generations. In the foreground, on the right-hand side, one of the figures raising a toast appears to be a depiction of Hasenclever himself, who functions almost as both an observer and a participant in the scene. The imposing scale of this work, particularly for the artist himself, and the inclusion of numerous figures offer a subtle social and political interpretation. Scenes of people drinking are often interpreted as an allegorical critique of the political and social situation in 19th-century Germany, particularly the growing disillusionment and difficulties faced by the middle class and the elites in the face of a changing social context. The work forms part of a series of paintings in which Hasenclever, alongside his technical skill, explores themes of social allegory and clothes his works in a visual language that addresses both the present and the historical tensions of the time. In addition to the 1847 version, smaller variants of The Wine Tasting are also known, created between the late 1830s and early 1840s, which attest to the artist’s enduring interest in this theme of community and its vices. The signed and dated painting remains a powerful and nuanced example of German painting of this period, conveying, through a seemingly simple scene, a profound and critical reflection on human nature and society. Through the mediation of VAN HAM, the heirs of Elisabeth Hartoges-Hijman have reached an amicable agreement with the consignors regarding the sale. The painting is offered free of any claims and will be auctioned. Provenance: - Private ownership, Germany, since1964; as loan to the Bergische Museum Schloss Burg an der Wupper (Inv. no. DLG 91/3); Collection Jacques Conraad und Elisabeth Hartoges-Hijman, Arnheim; Collection Ravené, Berlin 1848. Exhibition: ”Johann Peter Hasenclever (1810-1853). Ein Malerleben zwischen Biedermeier und Revolution.” Exhib.. Bergisches Museum Schloss Burg an der Wupper, Solingen April 4 - June 9 2003, in the catalogue p. 274f, no. 97 with ill. Literature: K. Soiné: Johann Peter Hasenclever. Ein Maler im Vormärz, Neustadt an der Aisch 1990, no. 190; F.v. Boetticher: Malerwerke des Neunzehnten Jahrhunderts, volume I, 1., p. 492, no. 22. here with the indication Berliner Akademische Kunstausstellung 1848. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: The lot is unsuitable for parcel shipping. Transport only by shipping company after consultation following the auction. additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: max. 41.65 Euro over a total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: 1.8 o/oo USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #Johann Peters Hasenclever #Düsseldorf School #Germany #19th C. #Genre #Painting #Old Masters.