Gouache on cardboard
Signed and dated lower right as well as inscribed "31. Mai 1916 Skagerrak Claus Bergen, W'haven". With inscription "Zur Erinnerung an die Seeschlacht vor dem Skagerrak 31. Mai 1916. Die deutschen Großkampfschiffe unter Führung des Flottenflaggschiffes während der Seeschlacht. Original Gouache" on verso. 73,5 x 117 cm (28,9 x 46 in)

PROVENANCE: Northern German private collection.

LITERATURE: Cf. Jörg M. Hormann/Eberhard Klien, Claus Bergen, Marinemaler über vier Epochen. Hamburg 2002, pp. 45ff.

The young navy painter Bergen, who had lived in Wilhelmshaven as of 1915, captured some striking scenes of the sea battle which was victorious for the German navy. He was in close contact with officers and admiral Scheer, the commander-in-chief of the fleet and embarked on the S.M.S. Markgraf in spring 1916. He made sketches and ca. 25 paintings after the fleet's return from the battle, they were shown as early as in January 1917.