Eduard von Gebhardt
Study of a Man's Head for the Frescoes in Loccum Abbey
Watercolour on card. 31 x 25.5 cm.
Framed under glass.
Signed lower right: E v Gebhardt.
Son of a high clergyman, he studied in St. Petersburg, Vienna, Karlsruhe and Düsseldorf. He exhibited his first religious work in 1863. Drawing on his religious experience, the Baltic artist developed his own unique way of depicting Christianity that stood in contrast to that of the so-called Nazarenes. His was a new, more realistic style with the peculiarity that he depicted the figures of the New Testament as if they had lived in the times of Luther.
Well-known religious paintings by the artist include, "The Entry into Jerusalem" (1863), "The Last Supper" (1870), which was acquired by the National Gallery in Berlin and is still considered one of the most important works of religious history painting, the frescoes in the Collegiate Hall of the Loccum Monastery (1884-91), "Ecce Homo" (1889), "The Sermon on the Mount" (1902). His portraits are also remarkable, of which the one of Hugo Croia (1887) is probably the best known.
Entered the order in 1890.
Presumably for the fresco. The Our Father prayer, 6. Christ and the Adulteress.