Hermann Kern (1883-1912) - L’antiquario (The Connaisseur)
03
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Current bid
€ 4
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Caterina Maffeis
Master in early Renaissance Italian painting with internship at Sotheby’s and 15 years' experience.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
 | €4 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €3 | |
 | €2 | |
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L’antiquario (The Connaisseur), an oil on canvas by Hermann Kern (1880) from Hungary, measures 52 × 62 cm and is sold with frame.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
HERMANN KERN
1838–1912
“The Connoisseur (L’Antiquario)”
circa 1880/1890
Oil on canvas
Work published
Signed at lower left
Estimate: 1,500.00 / 2,500.00 euros
Description
Refined genre scene depicting an elderly antiquarian in his own study, caught while carefully examining a small female figurine. The protagonist, seated at the center of the composition, lifts his spectacles and observes the object with the expert eye of a connoisseur, turning a habitual gesture of the trade into a vivid narrative representation.
The surrounding environment takes on the character of a true late 19th‑century antique shop. Paintings, sculptures, books, ceramics, metal objects, weapons and curiosities are arranged in space with studied variety, evoking the world of trade and the study of works of art. The presence of the small painting resting on the left and the other canvases leaning against the wall is particularly effective, reinforcing the professional identification of the protagonist.
The light coming from the large window on the right traverses the interior and focuses on the antiquarian’s figure and on the objects he is examining, while the rest of the room remains immersed in a warm half‑tone. Kern pays great attention to the rendering of different materials — fabrics, metals, ceramics, wood and painting surfaces — and to the psychological characterization of the man, depicted with a curious and self-satisfied expression.
The work belongs to Kern’s most characteristic production, in which elderly figures are frequently depicted within domestic or professional settings rich in details, with narrative, meticulous painting threaded with a subtle vein of irony.
The interior construction, the anecdotal taste of the scene and the meticulous description of objects are fully consistent with the Central European genre painting practiced by the artist in his maturity.
Frame
The work is presented within an important gilded wooden frame of historicist taste, richly decorated with volutes, vegetal and floral motifs and plastically pronounced elements at the corners.
At the center of the lower band is the characteristic cartouche with the inscription:
“THE CONNOISSEUR – H. KERN”
The frame shows a natural patina of time, wear and abrasions of the gilding, as well as small gaps and losses of ornamental elements, more evident in the lower right corner. Overall it retains a notable decorative effect and is particularly suitable for the historical presentation of the painting.
Condition Report
Overall conservation status: fair/good for its age.
The painted surface appears stable and retains good legibility of both the main figure and the numerous interior details. There is widespread, physiological craquelure consistent with natural aging of materials, accompanied by slight superficial inhomogeneities.
*** Photographic note
The photographs of the work were taken with professional studio lighting and spotlights to allow better readability of the composition, details and painting matter. This lighting may cause slight variations in color perception and brightness compared with viewing the work directly. The photographs are for illustrative and documentary purposes only.
The frame is provided free of charge as a complement to the work and should be considered a supplementary element, not included in the monetary valuation of the painting. Due to the natural fragility of antique and gilded frames, any damage, chipping, breakage or losses of parts of the frame occurring during transport or shipping cannot be the subject of refund, indemnity or dispute regarding the value of the work. The packaging will nevertheless be prepared with the utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, a safe transport.
Insured Shipping
Attribution Expertise
*** For reasons of historical interest the work cannot be shipped outside the European community / insured shipment in a wooden crate
Seller's Story
Magnolia Arte
Auctions · Works of Art · Expertise
Magnolia Arte was born from a passion for art and from the experience gained in study, selection and enhancement of works destined for collecting.
The auction house and gallery operates in the art market with particular attention to antique, modern and contemporary painting, offering carefully selected works for historical-artistic interest, quality and collectible value.
Each work is presented through a path of in-depth study that, where applicable, considers historical and stylistic context, attribution, condition, provenance and bibliographic and comparative references. For works that require it, studies, expertise and diagnostic deepening can also be prepared.
COLLECTING WITH DISCERNMENT
For Magnolia Arte, purchasing a work means entering into a relationship with a unique object, a witness of an era, of a culture and of the artist’s sensibility.
For this reason we accompany the collector not only in the choice, but also in the understanding and valorizations of the work, offering a direct, confidential and professional relationship.
Translated by Google TranslateHERMANN KERN
1838–1912
“The Connoisseur (L’Antiquario)”
circa 1880/1890
Oil on canvas
Work published
Signed at lower left
Estimate: 1,500.00 / 2,500.00 euros
Description
Refined genre scene depicting an elderly antiquarian in his own study, caught while carefully examining a small female figurine. The protagonist, seated at the center of the composition, lifts his spectacles and observes the object with the expert eye of a connoisseur, turning a habitual gesture of the trade into a vivid narrative representation.
The surrounding environment takes on the character of a true late 19th‑century antique shop. Paintings, sculptures, books, ceramics, metal objects, weapons and curiosities are arranged in space with studied variety, evoking the world of trade and the study of works of art. The presence of the small painting resting on the left and the other canvases leaning against the wall is particularly effective, reinforcing the professional identification of the protagonist.
The light coming from the large window on the right traverses the interior and focuses on the antiquarian’s figure and on the objects he is examining, while the rest of the room remains immersed in a warm half‑tone. Kern pays great attention to the rendering of different materials — fabrics, metals, ceramics, wood and painting surfaces — and to the psychological characterization of the man, depicted with a curious and self-satisfied expression.
The work belongs to Kern’s most characteristic production, in which elderly figures are frequently depicted within domestic or professional settings rich in details, with narrative, meticulous painting threaded with a subtle vein of irony.
The interior construction, the anecdotal taste of the scene and the meticulous description of objects are fully consistent with the Central European genre painting practiced by the artist in his maturity.
Frame
The work is presented within an important gilded wooden frame of historicist taste, richly decorated with volutes, vegetal and floral motifs and plastically pronounced elements at the corners.
At the center of the lower band is the characteristic cartouche with the inscription:
“THE CONNOISSEUR – H. KERN”
The frame shows a natural patina of time, wear and abrasions of the gilding, as well as small gaps and losses of ornamental elements, more evident in the lower right corner. Overall it retains a notable decorative effect and is particularly suitable for the historical presentation of the painting.
Condition Report
Overall conservation status: fair/good for its age.
The painted surface appears stable and retains good legibility of both the main figure and the numerous interior details. There is widespread, physiological craquelure consistent with natural aging of materials, accompanied by slight superficial inhomogeneities.
*** Photographic note
The photographs of the work were taken with professional studio lighting and spotlights to allow better readability of the composition, details and painting matter. This lighting may cause slight variations in color perception and brightness compared with viewing the work directly. The photographs are for illustrative and documentary purposes only.
The frame is provided free of charge as a complement to the work and should be considered a supplementary element, not included in the monetary valuation of the painting. Due to the natural fragility of antique and gilded frames, any damage, chipping, breakage or losses of parts of the frame occurring during transport or shipping cannot be the subject of refund, indemnity or dispute regarding the value of the work. The packaging will nevertheless be prepared with the utmost care to ensure, as far as possible, a safe transport.
Insured Shipping
Attribution Expertise
*** For reasons of historical interest the work cannot be shipped outside the European community / insured shipment in a wooden crate
Seller's Story
Magnolia Arte
Auctions · Works of Art · Expertise
Magnolia Arte was born from a passion for art and from the experience gained in study, selection and enhancement of works destined for collecting.
The auction house and gallery operates in the art market with particular attention to antique, modern and contemporary painting, offering carefully selected works for historical-artistic interest, quality and collectible value.
Each work is presented through a path of in-depth study that, where applicable, considers historical and stylistic context, attribution, condition, provenance and bibliographic and comparative references. For works that require it, studies, expertise and diagnostic deepening can also be prepared.
COLLECTING WITH DISCERNMENT
For Magnolia Arte, purchasing a work means entering into a relationship with a unique object, a witness of an era, of a culture and of the artist’s sensibility.
For this reason we accompany the collector not only in the choice, but also in the understanding and valorizations of the work, offering a direct, confidential and professional relationship.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
Hermann Kern (1883-1912)
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
Gallery
Title of artwork
L’antiquario (The Connaisseur)
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
Hungary
Year
1880
Condition
Good condition
Height
52 cm
Width
62 cm
Period
19th century
Sold by
