AMER AUGUST 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, August 24, 2015.
FRIEDRICH WILHELM KUHNERT (German/Swiss, 1865-1926) DER MENSCHEN FROSSER (THE MAN EATER)Oil on canvas
Housed in an outstanding carved and gilt frame
Signed lower left "Wilh. Kuhnert and inscribed on reverse of canvas "Wilhelm Khunert, Berlin, DerMenschen Frosser"
NOTE: This painting was referenced in the archives amassed by Hans Jorg Werner, Wilhelm Kuhnert''s grandson and he was familiar with the story surrounding the painting. While Kuhnert was in Africa and a black-mane lion had attacked and killed a postman while the postman was covering his rounds on a bicycle. Kuhnert was probably the only white man in the area and certainly the only one with a rifle. He was asked by the local leaders to kill the lion. The locals showed him the way and the scene Kuhnert painted was what he saw just before he killed the lion with one shot to the head. Kuhnert used oversize canvases for works only he considered important. This is the only known example of his work that included a confirmed man-eater & a historical scene as depleted. One can only imagine what went through the mind of Wilhelm Kuhnert when he came upon the lion and transformed from artist to hunter in order to save himself and the villagers from this villain. SIZE: 45" x 85". Overall 56-1/2" x 96-1/2" PROVENANCE: An Italian gentleman to Russel Fink Gallery, VA to Michael Coleman, to present consignor. CONDITION: Very good. A condition report from Cumberland Art Conservation of Nashville TN accompanies the painting. At one time the painting was folded at the right edge of the lion''s paw vertically. It was conserved to its original width and the canvas was strip lined and mounted onto a custom built seven member expansion bolt stretcher. Inpainting was performed to the folded area and presently is in very good condition. 49375-1 WAG (150,000-200,000)