Oil on cardboard with canvas impression
Bruhns G 126 (listed as "Öl auf LW" [oil on canvas] with measures 46 x 34 cm). Signed upper right. With two numbers and an inscription on verso. 52 x 38 cm (20,4 x 14,9 in)

We are grateful to Dr. Maike Bruhns, Hamburg, for her expert advice.

PROVENANCE: Private ownership Ebenhausen.
Private collection Hesse.

“She became a painter of beautiful girls and women, her paintings, document of an unceasing creation at a high quality level, matched the personality of those depicted. They show a high degree of empathy, sympathy and even tenderness for the model. Knowledge of human nature, aesthetic requirements and an emotional identification often made for a fortunate consensus.“ (translation of quote from Maike Bruhns, Anita Rée. Leben und Werk einer Hamburger Malerin 1885 – 1933, Hamburg 1986, p. 123). This portrait is a particularly charming example of the sensitive characterization in Anita Rée‘s work. Gestures and mimic of the person depicted seem to be both coy and coquettish at the same time. The skin color seems to be illuminated by an invisible source of light. Flower attribute, which were often used by the artist at that time, are just hinted at. The beauty, referred to as a Spaniard, presents herself to the observer with a cool and erotic charm. She seems mysterious and a little dreamy. [DB].