Eduard Magnus (b. Berlin 1799, d. s.p. 1872)
Portrait of the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen in smock with fur collar and a cap. Unsigned. Oil on canvas. 60×46 cm.
The painting has not previously been known in the literature. The painting is almost identical to a painting from about 1830 at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen. The painting differs in size and quality. Perhaps this is a preliminary study for the museum's painting.
Eduard Magnus got to know the sculptor Thorvaldsen when Magnus moved to Rome in 1826. They became friends and Magnus painted Thorvaldsen several times.
The German art historian specializing in German art of the 18th and 19th century professor, dr. Helmut Börsch-Supan, Berlin has studied the painting and is convinced that it is a painting by Magnus and that it is a repetition or a preliminary study for the painting at Thorvaldsens Museum. Copy of letter from the professor is included as well as a letter from Magnus to Thorvaldsen.
Condition report on request. Contact fine-art@bruun-rasmussen.dk
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Paintings & drawings, 30 May 2017
Not sold