Lot 6 PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED EUROPEAN COLLECTION
Rudolf Ernst (Austrian, 1854-1932)
Greeting the bride
Closed9 July 2009
Price Realised
GBP 109,250
More Information
Specialist note
In the present work, Rudolf Ernst depicts two newly weds stepping through a darkened doorway into an opulent room, passing a metaphorical threshold into their new life together.
Most of Ernst's works play with his audience's fascination with the Orient. As in the present painting, there is always a suggestion of a world beyond what is visible, and by concentrating on interior scenes, unknown to western eyes, Ernst had free rein to pose his motifs at will - often sacrificing ethnographical accuracy for decorative effect, by juxtaposing objects of different origin.
Most of the props used in the present painting can be found in other compositions by the artist. They serve to highlight Ernst's understanding of pattern and form by the placement of differing textures - flowers, textiles, furs and ceramics - against highly decorative flat background planes.
Most of Ernst's works play with his audience's fascination with the Orient. As in the present painting, there is always a suggestion of a world beyond what is visible, and by concentrating on interior scenes, unknown to western eyes, Ernst had free rein to pose his motifs at will - often sacrificing ethnographical accuracy for decorative effect, by juxtaposing objects of different origin.
Most of the props used in the present painting can be found in other compositions by the artist. They serve to highlight Ernst's understanding of pattern and form by the placement of differing textures - flowers, textiles, furs and ceramics - against highly decorative flat background planes.