Friedrich Kraus, Champagne Elegance

Friedrich Kraus, Champagne EleganceAn exquisite museum quality late 19th century oil painting by German painter, Friedrich Kraus (1826 1894). It depicts a lady of means sipping champagne within an opulent interior. She wears a sumptuous peach dress with an embroidered lace wrap and stands before a beautiful antique tapestry. Its interesting to consider whether this piece originated as a commission or an observation. If its a commission, the lady here clearly had a point to make

which he painted in his garden at Giverny

He probably painted most of this outdoors before returning to his studio to add refinements

Modern figures were juxtaposed with ancient symbolism

the vase is standing before an atmospheric dark woodland

A beautiful mid-20th century depiction of a Summer's day in Sweden by landscape artist

which is unusual given his natural ability

we see Biehl sitting on a window sill surreptitiously gathering information

A fine 19th-century Danish oil on wood depicting a scene from a barber’s shop

Artwork in good condition overall

Given its timeworn appearance

He was known to be a quiet man - an "artist of silence" - and his work reflected his persona

The portrait is housed within a period frame