"The Blind Fiddler" | German School

GERMAN SCHOOL
19th Century

"The Blind Fiddler"

Oil on canvas | signed lower left "F. Ortlich, München

ref. 410EPP02A

52 7/8" H x 42 3/4" W x 3 1/2" D [frame]
43 3/8" H x 34 1/2" W [canvas]

A lovely 19th century genre scene from the German Realist school, this very finely painted example depicts a young woman leading a blind fiddler towards the outdoor seating at a restaurant. Patrons are busily engaged in conversation under dappled sunlight, sharing drinks and food in the cool autumn air as the beginning of fall arrives with leaves turning and scattered across the stone walkways. The young woman, likely a waitress at the establishment, holds the elderly man's fiddle in her hand and glances into the space to find the best spot for him to set up. He holds onto the crook of her arm while she reassuringly grasps his jacket. The use of sunlight and shadows is positively brilliant and sets the mood for the scene. The work is signed in the lower left corner "F. Ortlich / München" and remains in fine original condition.

Condition:
Surface cleaned by our conservator, sealed in a traditional Dammar varnish. Craquelure throughout the surface. Spot of inpainting to the body of the fiddle (lower portion), touch ups around the edges where the frame rubs, other very small touchups visible under UV. Old frame, likely original, with loss to gilding and gold paint in numerous areas: chipping, separations, etc. Ready to place.