Antique Original German Genre Oil Painting on Tin, "The Knitting Lesson", Circa 1835-1860
This charming, finely painted mid-1800's German oil painting on tinned-sheet iron depicts an older woman, probably a grandmother, and a young girl leaning into the elder's lap while receiving a knitting lesson. The painting is full of details with a basket of yarns and a footstool on the floor lower left, a stand with a box of sewing tools at the right and a potted plant in the open casement window. The tall carved chair with a caned back is ornate and probably made circa 1700-20. The room appears to be an attic apartment high above the streets of a small city. The quality of painting is higher than normal for this type of work, which falls into a group meant to appeal and be affordable for the new emerging middle-class in the mid-1800s. The fine lemon-gold frame dates from the mid-1800's, as well.
This desirable painting would be a nice addition to a collection of European Country Arts or a collection of Americana.
Condition: Very good with no major losses, flaking, or restoration. The surface has a nice original patina. There are some minor scratches and wear overall, as well as some small spots of fugitive white paint. The frame has an undisturbed original gilt finish with minor wear and no restoration.
Dimensions: 8" tall x 6-3/4" wide. Frame: 10-1/4" tall x 9" wide