Eduard von Grtzner (German, 1846-1925)
Eduard von Grtzner (German, 1846-1925)

Alter schtzt vor Torheit nicht

Details
Eduard von Grtzner (German, 1846-1925)
Alter schtzt vor Torheit nicht
signed and dated 'Ed. Grtzner 1897' (lower left)
oil on canvas
34 x 28 in. (86.4 x 71.2 cm.)
Painted in 1897
Literature
F. von Ostini, Grtzner, Knstler-Monographien, vol. LVIII, Bielefeld and Leipzig, 1902, no. 53 (illustrated, p. 91).
L. Balogh, Eduard von Grtzner 1846-1925. Ein Mnchner Genremaler der Grnderzeit, Munich, 1991, no. 446 (illustrated, p. 213).

Lot Essay

This charming depiction of the German proverb, 'Alter schtzt vor Torheit nicht' (old age is no protection against folly), is one of Grtzner's most accomplished works. His mastery of textiles and period costume is matched by the characterisation in the faces of the protagonists. The sentimental old retainer, slightly the worse for drink, kneels admiringly before the happy young couple, watched with wry amusement by his two comrades, and the lofty figure of the innkeeper in the background.

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