Untitled (Couple, On the Town) - Original
Ink and Gouache
This
is an original mixed media work by Rudolf Bauer utilizing ink and gouache on wove paper. In the work, an upper class couple
confidently strides into a German cabaret, ready for a night of music, dining, dancing, and socializing. The work 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 is 18-7/8 inches H x 11-3/8 inches W (48 cm x 29 cm). Sheet size is 19-5/8
inches H x 12-3/8 inches W (50 cm x 31 cm). Bauer estate stamp was observed verso lower edge prior to framing.
The piece
is simply, yet elegantly framed in black moulding, with gold filet and contrasting white matting. It is covered
in UV-resistant acrylic. Frame size is 27-1/4 inches H x 19-1/2 inches W (69 cm x 49 cm). No evidence of previous framing.
Price is $2,600
USD. J D Smith Fine Art will provide a Certificate of Authenticity to the buyer. Shipping is free to North America for this piece. Please contact
us for shipping to Europe. Insurance is included with 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 there was gouache flaking in a few places; we had touch-up conservation/restoration work done in May 2007
by a professional conservator/restorer. Most dealers will not volunteer this information.
In addition, the
piece shows signs of some earlier touch up while still with the estate, which is evident on inspection with a
microscope. This is not uncommon for gouache works that are nearly 90 years old.
