THE PROPERTY OF THE LATE HARALD VON BOHLEN UND HALBACH
Hans Thoma (1839-1924)

Triumph der Geometrie

Details
Hans Thoma (1839-1924)
Triumph der Geometrie
signed with monogram and dated ''91' (lower right) and inscribed 'Triumph der Geometrie' (lower left)
oil on board laid down on board
21½ x 13 in. (54.5 x 33 cm.)
Provenance
The Krupp family and thence by descent.
Exhibited
Essen, Villa Hügel, Aus der Gemäldesammlung der Familie Krupp, 30 April-31 October 1965, no. 97.

Lot Essay

The depiction of 'Geometrie' as a child holding a square and pair of dividers over a world sphere constructed of lines of longitude and latitude is intended as an allegorical representation of the scientific and industrial self-confidence of late 19th century Germany, a nation which had become a world leader in the fields of both pure and applied science. Through the new knowledge, specifically in this instance geometry and geography, a comprehensive scientific understanding of the earth became possible and the mapping of the world came far closer to completion than it had been at the turn of the century.

The provenance is particularly interesting, as the Krupp family were one of the major industrial families of the period.

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