Lot Essay
Klara von Sachsenheim studied at the Royal Academy in Vienna between 1840-43. She travelled widely, and it was perhaps time spent in Italy and Russia that most influenced her artistic development. From 1850-55 she and her husband, the painter Theodor Sockl, lived in St. Petersburg, but she was forced to abandon much of her work upon fleeing the oppressive rule of the czars. This picture is signed in Russian Cyrillic script and may therefore date from the early 1850's. A subtle feminine aura pervades The Lacemaker in its luminescence and grace, yet the painting remains firmly rooted in the tradition of 19th century Biedermeier painting.