Watercolor. Lower left monogrammed and dated "9". On wove paper. 64.9 x 50 cm. , size of sheet. [CH].
- Expressive male nude from a period when Rohlfs attained a unique style influenced by both Impressionism and Expressionism. - Although his academic training is still clearly evident in his nude drawings, the bold brushstrokes already demonstrate his break with the tradition of Naturalism. - The nude figure from behind plays a significant role in the artist's paintings.
LITERATURE: Paul Vogt, Christian Rohlfs 1849-1938, Aquarelle, Wassertemperablätter, Zeichnungen, Recklinghausen 1988, p. 145 (with full-page illustration, p. 26). Paul Vogt, Christian Rohlfs. Aquarelle und Zeichnungen, Recklingshausen 1958, catalogue raisonné no. 09/14. - - Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, Modern Art, May 31, 2011, lot 445 (illustrated).