Ilda von Ernst-Lange

About the Painting

This 1932 oil portrait depicts a distinguished gentleman in formal attire with wire-rimmed spectacles, captured with remarkable psychological depth and technical precision. The subject gazes with quiet intelligence and dignity, embodying the refined elegance characteristic of early 1930s European portraiture. Ernst-Lange's sophisticated use of light and meticulous attention to detail demonstrate her mastery of the academic portrait tradition.

The composition employs a classic portrait format with atmospheric background transitions from olive-green to deep shadows, creating dimensional depth while focusing attention on the sitter's contemplative expression. The painting exemplifies the sophisticated artistic standards of German realist portraiture during the final year of the Weimar Republic, before the political changes of 1933 transformed the cultural landscape.

About the Artist

Ilda von Ernst-Lange (1873-after 1936) was an Austrian portrait painter celebrated for her portraits, floral still lifes, and landscapes. Born in Austria, she received comprehensive artistic training in Vienna under distinguished instructors including Olga Wisinger-Florian, Angelo Trentin, and Imre Révész. She later continued her studies at the Munich Women Artists' Association, an important institution for female artists in early 20th-century Germany.

Ernst-Lange became an active member of Hamburg's art scene, where she established her own studio and built a successful practice. Her professional affiliations included membership in the Numismatic Society of Vienna and the Altona Artists' Association, reflecting her standing within the Austrian and German art communities.

Working primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ernst-Lange developed a refined technique that combined academic precision with psychological insight. Her portraits are particularly noted for their ability to capture both the physical likeness and inner character of her subjects. Her works remain sought after by collectors for their connection to Austrian and German art movements of the period.

Technical Details

Artist: Ilda von Ernst-Lange (1873-after 1936)
Signed and dated: 1932
Medium: Oil on hardboard
Condition: Very good condition
Dimensions: 55 x 44 cm / 21½ x 17¼ in
Frame: 70 x 59 cm / 27½ x 23 in, very good condition
Origin: Germany

A rare example of Weimar Republic era portraiture by this accomplished Austrian artist.