Item Details:

THE COMMISSION (THE PATRON'S AESTHETIC)

FRANZ JOSEPH DEGLE

18th CENTURY

Oil Painting on Canvas, 1775

Early 18th century, circa 1720. Oil on relined canvas. The classic dilemma and struggle of artistic integrity with the practical realities of commercial success. A sculptor’s studio is invaded by an overbearing, overdressed, corpulent patron, who proceeds to ironically inflict, his own aesthetic and standard of beauty on the poor artist, literally directing the carving of the marble statue of an idealized woman, who, in real life, would not likely be seen in the company of the patron, at least not without a monetary incentive. The look of disdain on the sculptor’s face is priceless.

Size: 22.0 x 17.75 in; 55.88 x 45.09 cm

Signed: Inscribed on verso “F.J. Degle Pinxit Anno. 1775”

Degle studied in Augsburg under the fresco painter Thomas Schäffler. Through study visits to Innsbruck, Ancona, Venice and Rome, he refined his skills and finally won the 2nd prize of the Accad. di S. Luca in Rome in 1765. He then settled in Augsburg and became known primarily for his portraits. In addition to his fresco and altarpiece works in the Augsburg area, examples of his works can be found today in the Bode Museum in Berlin and the Bavarian National Museum in Munich, among others. L. u. in the document sign. as well as dat. pinx 1775. Verso inscribed F. J. Degle, Pinxit Anno. 1775. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated 1775