Arthur Kampf

(German, 1864-1950)

Spreeschiffer (Boatsman on the Spree)

oil on canvas

signed A. Kampf (lower left)

27 1/2 x 30 in.

This lot is located in Palm Beach.

We would like to thank Dr. Andreas Schroyen for his art historical expertise and assistance in our cataloging this painting.

Provenance:

Private collection, Berlin, early 1930s

Thence by descent to the present owner

Lot Note:

Starting in 1898 Arthur Kampf was working at the Academy of Arts in Berlin. It is then that he must have encountered this scene on the river Spree of repairmen struggling against the current while making a repair. Kampf may have sketched the scene and then returned to it when creating this finished painting and the other variants, or possibly worked from distinct sketches of the same scene. The scene and composition may have been popular with Kampf's patrons and this may also be why he returned to it over a period of years.

Framed: 40 x 51 inches.
Canvas is not lined. There is minor flaking to the thicker impasto at lower left. Slightly dark varnish with some specks of white splashes. Under UV light: some pigments appear stronger under UV light but do not seem to be inpainting, such as on the man's face. Additional images available upon request.

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To request further details about this lot, please email

Madalina Lazen

VP Head of Department, Old Masters & 19th Century European Art

[email protected]561.833.8053

Ms. Lazen comes to Freeman's with over 25 years of experience in the fine art industry. She joined the firm in 2022 after working as Vice President, Specialist 19th Century European Paintings at Sotheby’s New York, spending a total of nearly 14 years at the auction house. Ms. Lazen also served as Director 19th Century Paintings at Bonhams New York for nearly ten years. Her focus is on Old Masters, 19th Century European Art, and Impressionism.

Old Masters & 19th Century European Art

Spreeschiffer (Boatsman on the Spree)

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