Lot 122 D

In terms of its motif, this 1912 depiction of the Elbe in Dresden is closely related to a view of its banks sold in 2013 (see “Blick auf die Elbvillen des Käthe-Kollwitz Ufers in Dresden-Blasewitz mit Elbauen und Kahn im Vordergrund”, Villa Grisebach, Auction 219/Lot 427), and it is a characteristic early work by the artist. The paint is applied thickly, in a post-impressionist manner; the tonality is fresh and remains bound to its subject matter and atmospheric. The years 1909 to 1912, until the expressive change in style to be observed in 1913, are characterised by landscapes seen from a window as well as views of towns and factories, but, above all, by depictions of the Elbe valley, its meadows and riverbanks - not a few of which are to be found in public collections (see Löffler 1912/8-13). These compositions are at times distinguished by a simple depiction parallel to the picture plane, with straight horizontal lines beneath a bright sky featuring lively cloud formations. In the captivating oil study here, Dix has chosen to use a similarly clear composition in zones, with the sky, the white villas and the trees of the far bank shimmeringly reflected in the flowing river. The nuanced and mixed layers of colour in blue, grey, greyish blue and white are enriched through delicate values of green and orange, bringing this painterly impression to life in an optically fine as well as striking manner.