Rudolf Ernst (1854-1932) - Signed Oil Bishop and Monk in an Elegant Interior

Description

A truly exquisite oil painting on canvas by the renowned French-Austrian artist Rudolf Ernst (1854-1932). The painting depicting two figures- a bishop and a monk- in an elegantly decorated interior. The bishop is opening a bottle of champagne whilst another bottle sits unopened in an urn at their feet. Ernst began painting primarily Orientalist scenes after 1884 so we suspect this was painted before then. Beautifully presented in an ornate gilt frame with linen slip and signed in the lower right. Ernst's paintings regularly realise in excess of five figures at auction. On canvas on stretchers.

Condition

Inspection under UV light reveals some professional restoration to the lower edges, otherwise in fine condition.

Size

45 x 37.5cm (17.7" x 14.8")
Framed Size: 64.5 x 57cm (25.4" x 22.4")

Artist Biography

Rudolf Ernst was born in Vienna in 1854 but lived and worked for most of his life in Paris where he died in 1932. He is best known for his Orientalist subjects but before 1884 his repertoire consisted mainly of portraits and genre scenes.

He studied under August Eisenmenger and Anselme Feuerbach at the academy in Vienna before pursuing his studies in Rome. He travelled extensively through Europe and the USA and Morocco and he exhibited in Vienna, Munich and Paris.

The Benezit Dictionary of Artists lists his achievements- "He received a bronze medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle and a distinction in 19000. A number of his pictures were repeatedly shown at the annual events of the Societe des Amis des Arts in Nates. He was commissioned to execute the altarpiece of the church of the Favourites in Vienna. He received various prestigious commissions in Turkey and France including those of Sergeant MacMahon and the Duke of Castries."

For more information on this artist or collection see here.