.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
As the son of an engineer, Eduard Daelen was required to follow his father’s footsteps and he began a study of mechanical engineering. Yet his passion for art would prove to be stronger and he entered the art academy of Düsseldorf in 1868, followed by the Berlin art academy and the München art academy. After a short stay in Rome, Daelen returned to Düsseldorf where he became a member of the Malkasten artist society. As a result of the March Revolution of 1848, the Malkasten society was initiated by Düsseldorf intellectuals and artists as a platform where political discussions could be held. Yet in the wave of the Gesamtkunstwerk and multidisciplinary artist societies in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, the Malkasten society evolved into a “Verein für geselliges Künsterleben […] keinen anderen Zweck hat, als Interessen der Kunst und Künstler zu besprechen und zu fördern und sich gesellig zu unterhalten” and would bring together a diverse group of artists, musicians, poets and writers (Malkasten Statutes, 11 August 1848). The idea of an alliance of all artistic disciplines in combination with full artistic freedom – unity-in-diversity – implied an essential liberalness towards different artistic expressions, and allowed artists to join forces to create and sell their art. The Malkasten artist society organised weekly meetings accompanied by art viewings and lectures about fine arts, literature and music, and grand annual venues, which quickly brought about national fame within the art world. The garden of the Malkasten art society became nationally famous for its exuberant, imaginative garden parties and its lavish tableaux vivants, which were even visited by Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797-1888).
Mittag im Malkastenpark, was painted in these particular gardens and is truly a great masterpiece in the artist's oeuvre. Depicted is a group of gentlemen enjoying an afternoon drink underneath the shade of the trees, the bright colours in combination with the beautifully rendered details give an impression of the art society’s atmosphere.
Mittag im Malkastenpark, was painted in these particular gardens and is truly a great masterpiece in the artist's oeuvre. Depicted is a group of gentlemen enjoying an afternoon drink underneath the shade of the trees, the bright colours in combination with the beautifully rendered details give an impression of the art society’s atmosphere.