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Lot Essay
A delightful interior brimming with decorative objects and fine art, the present work epitomizes Moeller's mastery of still life and figure painting. The scene likely garners inspiration from the front parlor of Thomas B. Clarke, an eminent American art patron and collector, who was the first owner of this painting. Indeed, "Because he stood prominently against the overwhelming tide of taste for European art, accumulated so many works of enduring interest, and inspired other collectors to follow his example, Clarke's reputation as an outstanding promoter of American art has been sustained by later students of the period." (H.B. Weinberg, "Thomas B. Clarke: Foremost Patron of American Art from 1872 to 1899," The American Art Journal, vol. VIII, no. 1, May 1976, p. 60)
According to William H. Gerdts, Another Investment is "One of Moeller's earliest successful efforts, well-received in New York when shown in the fall exhibition of the National Academy in 1884." ("The Empty Room," Bulletin of the Allen Memorial Art Museum, vol. XXXII, no. 2, 1975-76, p. 85) Indeed, a contemporary critic lauded "The picture is painted with the delicacy and precision which we have recognized before in Mr. Moeller's handiwork" ("The Academy of Design," New York Tribune, November 8, 1884, p. 5).
According to William H. Gerdts, Another Investment is "One of Moeller's earliest successful efforts, well-received in New York when shown in the fall exhibition of the National Academy in 1884." ("The Empty Room," Bulletin of the Allen Memorial Art Museum, vol. XXXII, no. 2, 1975-76, p. 85) Indeed, a contemporary critic lauded "The picture is painted with the delicacy and precision which we have recognized before in Mr. Moeller's handiwork" ("The Academy of Design," New York Tribune, November 8, 1884, p. 5).