Hans Michaelson (1872-1954), “Thaw/ Fields”, Oil, c. 1917

Lot description

Oil on canvas, hung on board France, c. 1917 Hans Michaelson (1872-1954) – German Jewish painter of Late Impressionism and Expressionism. Member of the so-called “Verschollene Generation” (Lost Generation). Signed lower left Verso signed and titled upper left; upper right annotated with the address “Charlottenburg, Charlottenburger Ufer 25 III.” Dimensions: 66.5 x 66.5 cm Frame: 80 x 80 cm Very good condition Provenance: Private collection, Berlin, Zehlendorf (presumably directly from the artist); private collection, Potsdam Expressive painting. Similar works by the artist from this creative period fetch up to €6,000 on the German auction market. Condition: The painting is in very good condition. The painting measures 66.5 x 66.5 cm, the frame 80 x 80 cm. Hans Michaelson (1872-1954) Born as the son of Jewish traders in Hettstedt, near Halle (Saale), in 1872, Hans Michaelson first studied under Ludwig Schmid-Reutte in Leipzig, followed by the Berlin Academy, primarily under Friedrich Kallmorgen. From 1912 until 1930, he regularly took part in the “Juryfreie Kunstschau Berlin” (J.K.B) exhibitions and, together with August Gaul and Benno Berneis, showcased works in the renowned art salon of Paul Cassirer in 1914. Influences of the street and vaudeville scenes of the Expressionists, the vibrant colors of the Fauves and Henri Matisse, the Neoimpressionism of Camille Pissarro, and especially Vincent Van Gogh, can be found in Michaelson’s work. However, his style was always quietly present. He painted what he saw with the sobering precision of the silent observer. In 1937, he was classified as a “degenerate artist” by the National Socialists and had to flee Germany due to his Jewish roots and find a new home in Ecuadorian exile. He died there in 1954. Many of his pictures made before his exile are deemed missing and his later work in Ecuador remains Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.