Friedrich Gauermann 1807-1862 Assian Blessing The Son Of Fioga

Friedrich Gauermann
Miesenbach 1807 - Vienna 1862

Flood scene, Assian blessing Fioga's son

Pencil and grey wash
30 x 27.5 cm
Annotated "Cornelius" on the back
Provenance: - studio stamp on the back (L.1003)
- François Antonovitch Collection, Christie's sale 6 October 2014

This drawing immerses us in a mythological scene of great intensity.
The composition, organised on two levels, presents in its upper part a group of figures in tumultuous movement, their agitated draperies suggesting the dramatic atmosphere of the flood. In the lower part, the story focuses on a more solemn moment where a bearded figure, Assian, extends his arm towards a group of characters among whom is Fioga's son, thus creating a striking contrast between the agitation of the flood and the gravity of the blessing.
Friedrich Gauermann received his initial training from his father Jakob Gauermann, a court painter to Archduke Johann. From 1824 to 1827, he continued his studies at the Vienna Academy in the landscape class of Joseph Mössmer.
His art was deeply influenced by the Dutch masters, especially Paulus Potter and Jakob van Ruysdael. He made numerous study trips to the Austrian Alps and Italy, which nourished his artistic inspiration. His talents were recognized by the institution, which appointed him a member of the Vienna Academy in 1836.