Franz Von Dregger oil reverse painted glass
11.5x9.5 frame that is original to the piece. Signed by artist 1875. Piece is titled Der Zitherspielder or the Zither Player. Condition of paint and frame is excellent except for tear in backing and some paper loss underneath(does not affect paint)
I am obtaining the estimate from a friend who received it from her aunt
Inherited
Yes
Thank you for your appraisal inquiry with MeArto. The item presented appears to be an embellished lithographic print after a painting by Franz von Defregger (German, 1835 - 1921) titled "Der Zitherspieler." The item may be an oil painting on paper, applied to a wood panel. However, if it is a painting rather than a print, it would be a copy or reproduction painting after the artist. Von Defregger was a prolific artist who brought the Austrian genre painting style to the historical painting level. A Zither player was a common motif for von Defregger, as he painted several versions of this genre scene. The estimate provided is based on copy paintings after the original work by von Defregger. If this item is a lithographic print, the value would likely decrease. Further examination of the item outside the frame could lead to clarification.
I took the back off and took a picture. Is there a way to submit it?
Hello. Thank you for the clarification. Unfortunately, von Defregger was not known to have produced any reverse glass paintings. Therefore, it would seem this item is a copy after the artist. The original painting was last seen at auction in 2012 at Hampel Auctions. It was bought by a private collected and has not been registered as missing based on the Art Loss Register.
Thank you. The frame is extremely old so can you explain how this was done to include his signature. In looking at the glass it appears something is folded back over the edge so not sure what exactly I have to describe it. Is there a way to add a picture? I don't want to misrepresent the item. Thanks
I just added them.
Hi Susan.
The thing folded over the edge of the glass is likely tape of cloth and tape. The is typical for glass paintings to stabilized the glass and help prevent breaking. As for the included signature. Copy artist often paint the original artist signature to add value to the item or sell the item as a work by the artist with mal-intention.
Here is an example of a copy painting after the original with a signature.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/44602731_franz-von-defregger-1835-1921-german
The mystery continues. I decided to take the glass out of the frame and found it is not reverse painted on glass, it is two pieces of glass with what appears to be an original sketch or painting applied to the first piece of glass with an overlay piece of glass painted.
The bottom paper around the glass has pencil writing from the time period which appears to be the beginnings of the title of the painting. The signature appears authentic. It is very thin paper medium that the actual painting is on and appears to be adhered to the glass. From all I can determine this looks like the real thing, not an after Defregger.
I have added pictures to show what I am describing. Thanks
Hello Susan.
Thank you for the additional images. I can see in one of the detailed images you uploaded of the corner edge including the signature that this item is a photogravure, appearing to hand-colored. I can see the print matrix very clearly. This item remains to be considered a work after the artist at this point. If you desire to continue authentication of this item and receive a full report, you can visit our Authentication page (https://mearto.com/authenticate).
The painting is actually reverse painted on convex glass so I am assuming the original artist would have had to do this.