Christian Klaus, The Debtor

Christian Klaus, The DebtorA fine late 19th century oil on canvas by German painter, Christian Klaus (1843 1893). A seated older gentleman is clutching a letter while his wife counts through a pile of small coins. Another gentleman, presumably a debt collector, stands alongside them and leans on the window sill. Its a painting that reveals a deeper significance when you consider the abundance of symbolism. For instance, note how the composition is designed to give priority to

It’s signed ‘L Devedeux’

It’s quiet and still - a place we’d all like to be

it’s plausible that the painting was initially intended as decoration - maybe even for a passenger ship

The painting is signed 'Richard Short' in the lower right and we have a period frame if required

A fine late 19th-century oil on canvas by German painter

Several scratches

It’s in fairly good condition with no major issues

He frequently produced landscapes and scenes featuring farm buildings and it’s plausible that he lived a rural life

This particular painting featured in a 2003 retrospective exhibition

Frame with several losses

They’re both leaning on walking sticks as they discuss the day’s events

He achieved various accolades during his lifetime including the Neuhausen Prize and many of his works are housed in museums