Franz Pforr (?) 1788 Frankfurt/Main – Albano 1812 A pair: “Alte Wasserkunst” in Bautzen – Hohnstein Castle in Saxon Switzerland

Pencil on firm wove. 23.5 x 14.2 cm. Old attribution to “P. v. Cornelius” on the reverse. The attribution to Franz Pforr was previously confirmed by Dr Colin Bailey, Edinburgh and Dr Christian Jensen, Hamburg.

Period

19th century

Technique

Works on paper

Details

Provenienz:
Aus deutschem Adelsbesitz;
Christie’s, Amsterdam, Auktion, 24.3.1999, Los 522 (als Peter Cornelius);
Fred Kline Gallery, Santa Fe (als Franz Pforr);
Privatsammlung, Nordamerika;
Lempertz, Köln, Auktion, 15.5.2010, Los 1836 (als Franz Pforr);
Privatbesitz, Süddeutschland.

Description

Dr Heinrich Thommen, however, places a large question mark over the attribution to Pforr. The parallel strokes and the depiction of a historical event – the central figure with the scroll and pointing hand is probably Luther – speak in favour of Pforr, but the crowded juxtaposition, the small, “rosebud” mouths and the soft curls are atypical for Pforr’s figures. In general, according to Thommen, Pforr cultivated a more brittle drawing style. – Scattered barely noticeable stains. The lower right corner slightly rubbed. In good condition.