Description
This is a most unusual painting on wood, circa 1910. The painting shows the palace built by order of Frederick the Great in Potsdam, Sans Soucci. It is one of the most fascinating of the Prussian royal palaces. When it was built, it was intended to be a summer palace for Frederick the Great when he wanted to get away from all of the hubbub of Berlin. It remains a beautiful site today. I enjoy touring it when we are in the Potsdam area. What is so unusual about this piece is that the artist did his work on wood, instead of canvas or paper. I am no expert, but this is a beautiful light wood. The artist used a knife to cut indentations around and within all the painted areas. This gives the illusion that the picture is created from different colored pieces of inlaid wood. Some patterns even have small pieces of wood cut out to further the illusion. Close inspection, however, reveals that the images are PAINTED, notinlaid. The painting’s actual surface measures 17″ x 10 1/4.” The full, framed picture measures 20 1/4″ X 13 3/4.” A black-framed rectangular area, measuring 15 1/4″ x 8 1/2,” is painted inside the overall surface. This imitates a matte within a framed picture. Inside this area at the bottom is a classic view of Sans Soucci. An early pre WW I zeppelin is flying in the sky above. The presentation has a black wooden frame, trimmed in gold. What appears to be the artist’s signature is on the painting’s reverse. It looks like “FJ.” This is a superb piece of work, very different from what we often see. It is totally original and unique! [Special shipping will be required on this item. The price will be based on where it needs to be shipped].
