Lot 1078A | In the Orphanage

KAULBACH, HERMANN
Munich 1846 - 1909

Title: In the Orphanage.
A young nun handing out toys and apples to the children.
Technique: Oil on wood.
Measurement: 64 x 81cm.
Notation: Signed lower right: H. Kaulbach.
Frame/Pedestal: Framed.
Provenance:
Private ownership, Germany.

A crowd of curious children has gathered around a young nun, who is handing out toys and fruit in front of the orphanage. A little girl seems intimidated by the nun's generosity, while a little way off, a small group seems to be listening intently to an exciting story. Further to the left, a small boy caringly looks after a toddler.
Children's scenes like this are among the trademarks of the German artist Hermann Kaulbach, who was known above all for his richness of detail. In the present painting, Kaulbach not only attentively captured a wide variety of children's reactions, but also meticulously executed the clothing of the little girls and boys.
Born in Munich in 1846, Hermann Kaulbach initially followed his parents' wishes after graduating from high school, taking up medical studies at Munich University. Only two years later, however, he transferred to the Munich Art Academy to study painting with Carl Theodor von Piloty. Kaulbach exhibited at the Vienna World Exhibition of 1879, among other events, and received numerous prizes and awards, including being appointed an honorary member of the Munich Art Academy and the Gold Medal of Honour. In 1889 Hermann Kaulbach was appointed professor of history painting at the Munich Academy.