Dreiviertelporträt einer Frau mit Handspiegel. 1930.
Gouache and oil on cardboard.
Signed and dated lower left. 72,5 : 50 cm (28,5 : 19,6 in). Josef Karl Nerud’s œuvre reflects the major phases of Classic Modernism from Expressionism through New Objectivity to Expressive Realism in exemplary fashion although a decidedly independent component is discernible. From 1921 until 1927 Nerud studied at the State Fine Arts Academy in Munich, where he was in the master class taught by Karl J. Becker-Gundahl. Nerud made a name for himself in the 1920s and 1930s as a celebrity portraitist and showed work at Thannhauser and the Graphisches Kabinett in Munich before retreating into “inner immigration” in 1933. Apart from motifs drawn from his birthplace and the Lower Bavarian scenery, his central theme was the portrait. [ME]

PROVENIENZ: Private collection South Germany.

Good overall impression. Edges barely noticeably rubbed due to the framing and with tiny colour flakings. Partially with minor craquelé. Upper corners minimally shop-soiled.