Untitled (Couple, Seated with Cactus)
This is an original mixed media work by Rudolf Bauer utilizing ink and
gouache on wove paper. In the work, an upper class German couple exchanges a
knowing glance at each other. The image of the cactus in the background hints at what they are both thinking.
The piece is signed by the artist in ink lower right.
This work comes from the late 1920's, a period that saw Bauer producing works that combine caricature
and an art deco style. Works from this time were done with an elegance that was not present in his earlier caricature work
of the 1910-1915 period. Bauer subsequently moved into more abstract work in the 1930's and was instrumentally involved with
Hilla Rebay in the founding of the Guggenheim. At one time Solomon Guggenheim owned over 300 works by
Bauer.
The image area occupies the entire sheet, and is 18-3/8 inches H x 9-3/4 inches
W (47 cm x 25 cm). The sheet is floated on a white background.
The piece is simply, yet elegantly framed in black moulding, with gold filet
and contrasting white matting. It is covered in UV-resistant Plexiglass. Frame size is 27-3/4 inches H x 19 inches W
(71 cm x 48 cm).
Price is $2,900 USD. J D Smith Fine Art will provide a Certificate of Authenticity
to the buyer.
Free shipping to North America on this piece. $100 shipping to Europe. Insurance
included in shipping. Please email or call if you wish to purchase this distinctive work.
This piece was purchased from the Bauer estate through an intermediary dealer. Note that we had consolidation and
minor gouache touch up performed by a professional conservator/restorer prior to framing. Total gouache replaced was
about the size of a U.S. 25-cent coin. A copy of the treatment report will be provided to the buyer. (Most dealers will not
volunteer this information.)
In addition, (a) the piece shows signs of some earlier touch up while still with the estate,
which is evident on close inspection with raking light or a microscope - this is not uncommon for gouache works
from this period, (b) an inventory number likely done at the estate appears on the back and partially shows through the front
upper left in reverse image in some lighting situations.
