Dear colleagues,
I received an intriguing query regarding the apparently German painting shown at the bottom of this email, and maybe others can help. I’m no expert in this, but in response to a suggestion from an American colleague that it may represent Germania, I objected that Germania is usually shown with shield and sword, not a dagger. The dagger also has no blood that I can see, so the female figure was perhaps surprised before being able to use it, as she seems to be fleeing. Judith seems very unlikely to me, since decapitating someone with a dagger would be a major job. There could be a clue in something that shows in the background on the left, but I can’t make it out. I suggested that the painting could be by Böcklin, but that’s not really very convincing. The point about a Germanic motif because of the oak leaves seems convincing to me.
Gavin Claxton’s email address is in the cc line, please respond to him, or to the list if you think it is of general interest, but in any case I’d appreciate your cc’ing me.
Best,
Dan Wilson
Good morning Professor Wilson,
I was hoping that you would kindly spare a moment of your time to assist me in identifying the subject of a mystery painting. It dates to the third or fourth quarter of the 19th century, is unsigned, though certainly German. I have attached an image.
Up until now, the female subject has long been identified as 'Judith' - as in the Biblical assassin - but I can't believe that is correct. With her wreath of oak leaves and acorns I suspect she is far more likely to a pagan or literary character from Germanic legend. Or perhaps 'Germania' or from Wagner?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Gavin
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Gavin Claxton
Academy Fine Paintings
t: +44(0)7823 336337
e: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
w: academyfinepaintings.com
[cid:image001.jpg@01D62A1A.11D2EB00] [cid:image002.jpg@01D62A1A.11D2EB00]
[cid:image003.png@01D62A1A.11D2EB00]
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