Exceptional vintage oil on canvas portrait by German artist Hans Merz (1895-1974), circa 1940. This masterfully executed painting showcases the artist's sophisticated technique and represents an important piece of mid-20th century portraiture.
This compelling portrait demonstrates Merz's mastery of traditional oil painting techniques, featuring subtle color transitions and expert handling of light and shadow. The subject is rendered with remarkable psychological depth, characteristic of 1940s European portraiture. The atmospheric background complements the formal composition, creating a sense of dignity and gravitas.
The painting is presented in its original ornate gilded frame, featuring elaborate baroque-inspired molding with decorative flourishes. The gold finish enhances the artwork's classical appeal.
Hans Merz was a German painter who lived from 1895 to 1974, spanning nearly eight decades of the 20th century. Merz worked primarily as a painter, creating works in various subjects including portraits, still lifes, and commercial poster designs. His documented works include travel posters for Lindau (Bodensee) and ski advertisements, indicating he may have worked in commercial art during the 1920s and 1930s.
Living through both World Wars and the major artistic movements of the 20th century, Merz's career spanned from the late Imperial German period through the Weimar Republic, Nazi era, and post-war reconstruction. His work from the 1940s, including formal portraits like the one shown, reflects the classical realist tradition that persisted in German art during this turbulent period.
Based on surviving works, Merz employed traditional oil painting techniques with a focus on portraiture and still life subjects. His portraits demonstrate competent academic training in classical realism, characteristic of European artists of his generation.
Signed in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 50 X 40 cm. / 19 ½ x 15 ¾ in.
Frame: 61 x 51 cm. / 24 x 20 in. Very good condition.
Origin: Germany.
