Wonderfully hand-colored nude, anonymous German, early 20th century. Image is mounted to board and heavily overpainted, some areas appear to have only a light watercolor wash and matte photographic surface, while in other heavier oil? colors have been applied. Reverse of board bears what appears to be a Berlin publisher's ink stamp. Print size 11.75 x 9.25 inches (30x23 cm).   Price: $450.   ( Inventory# id686b )

The colors of image are reminiscent of the palette found in period autochromes, which may have inspired them.

The reverse of board mount behind image bears a faded ink imprint, when manipulated to bring out the stamp this might be taken to read (center) "Berlin W. 57 / Bulowstrasse..." and (above) "Richard Eckstein..." There was indeed a Berlin publisher, Richard Eckstein Nachfolger H. Krüger, located at Berlin W. 57, Bülowstr. 51, circa 1900 and perhaps later, which would make a good match for the imprint. Aside from the question of why the image would have a publishers imprint on reverse, rather than a photographers imprint, this connection does reinforce a German origin for the image, which was found in Germany.

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Last updated April 10, 2024