Antique Oil on Board Painting, Ballerinas in Repose, After Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927), Signed Illegibly, Circa 1900–1925
Antique Oil on Board Painting, Ballerinas in Repose, After Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927), Signed Illegibly, Circa 1900–1925
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Additional Description
A charming antique oil painting on wooden board depicting seven ballerinas seated together in a quiet moment of repose, after the composition Ballerinas in Repose by German artist Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927).
The dancers are arranged along an ornate bench, dressed in voluminous white tutus with delicate bodices accented in soft pink, turquoise blue, and green. Each ballerina is captured in an individual, informal gesture: one leans forward to adjust her ballet slipper, another rests with her hands folded, while others turn toward their companions or gaze thoughtfully downward.
Executed in a warm, impressionistic palette of ivory, ochre, muted rose, and chocolate brown, the composition features expressive brushwork, softly modeled figures, and areas of textured impasto that lend dimension to the dancers' elaborate costumes.
The painting is signed illegibly in red at the lower right and executed on a rectangular wooden panel, retaining visible age-related craquelure, surface texture, and a beautifully timeworn appearance.
An intimate and decorative interpretation of Fehr's celebrated ballet composition, particularly appealing to collectors of antique figurative paintings, ballet memorabilia, and European decorative arts.
Era
Circa: 1900–1925, estimated
Period: Late 19th to Early 20th Century artistic tradition
Style: German School / Impressionist-influenced figurative painting
Artist: After Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927)
Origin: Continental European, possibly German
The painting reproduces a documented composition by Friedrich Fehr. Its precise execution date remains unverified, and the estimated dating is based on stylistic appearance, apparent aging, and the wooden support.
History
Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927) was a German painter and educator associated with the late 19th- and early 20th-century European art world. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and developed a career as a painter of portraits, genre scenes, and figurative subjects.
His work included scenes depicting dancers and theatrical performers, reflecting the period's broader artistic fascination with ballet and life behind the stage.
The present painting is based on Fehr's composition Ballerinas in Repose, which depicts seven young dancers seated together in a richly decorated interior. Rather than portraying the dancers performing, the composition captures a quieter moment of waiting, preparation, and reflection.
A documented oil-on-panel example attributed to Fehr appeared at Rago Arts and Auction Center on December 8, 2012. The painting measured approximately 17 × 8 inches, was described as signed, and reportedly retained an exhibition label from the McClees Gallery in Philadelphia.
The auction estimate was $800–$1,200, illustrating the historical market for the composition when catalogued under Fehr's name. This estimate does not establish the value or authorship of the present example.
The painting offered here closely follows the known composition, including the distinctive arrangement of seven dancers, their colorful bodices, seated poses, and architectural surroundings. The illegible red signature may belong to the artist responsible for this particular interpretation.
The designation "After Friedrich Fehr" indicates that the work follows Fehr's established composition rather than constituting an authenticated original by the artist.
Provenance
Previous ownership history undocumented.
The painting is signed illegibly in red at the lower right. No identifiable gallery label, inscription, or maker's mark is visible on the reverse.
The composition is identifiable as being after Friedrich Fehr's Ballerinas in Repose.
Materials
Oil paint on wooden board/panel, with visible brushwork and areas of textured impasto.
The wooden reverse features visible natural grain and mitered corner construction.
Presented unframed.
Dimensions
Approximately 9–10 inches wide × 4.5–5 inches high, based on photographic estimation.
Exact measurements to be confirmed.
Condition/Disclaimers
Antique condition with age-related wear consistent with apparent age and use.
The painted surface exhibits fine craquelure, scattered abrasions, minor losses to the paint layer, and areas of uneven surface texture. Additional wear is visible along the edges and within portions of the dancers' white costumes.
The darker foreground displays notable craquelure and scattered reddish marks, including the reported signature at the lower right.
The reverse exhibits natural wood grain, superficial markings, and signs of age.
The painting is signed illegibly and catalogued as after Friedrich Fehr on the basis of its correspondence with his known composition. The identity of the executing artist, precise date, and geographical origin have not been independently established.
The painting is offered in its existing condition, with no professional conservation or authentication undertaken.
Item Title:
Additional Description
A charming antique oil painting on wooden board depicting seven ballerinas seated together in a quiet moment of repose, after the composition Ballerinas in Repose by German artist Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927).
The dancers are arranged along an ornate bench, dressed in voluminous white tutus with delicate bodices accented in soft pink, turquoise blue, and green. Each ballerina is captured in an individual, informal gesture: one leans forward to adjust her ballet slipper, another rests with her hands folded, while others turn toward their companions or gaze thoughtfully downward.
Executed in a warm, impressionistic palette of ivory, ochre, muted rose, and chocolate brown, the composition features expressive brushwork, softly modeled figures, and areas of textured impasto that lend dimension to the dancers' elaborate costumes.
The painting is signed illegibly in red at the lower right and executed on a rectangular wooden panel, retaining visible age-related craquelure, surface texture, and a beautifully timeworn appearance.
An intimate and decorative interpretation of Fehr's celebrated ballet composition, particularly appealing to collectors of antique figurative paintings, ballet memorabilia, and European decorative arts.
Era
Circa: 1900–1925, estimated
Period: Late 19th to Early 20th Century artistic tradition
Style: German School / Impressionist-influenced figurative painting
Artist: After Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927)
Origin: Continental European, possibly German
The painting reproduces a documented composition by Friedrich Fehr. Its precise execution date remains unverified, and the estimated dating is based on stylistic appearance, apparent aging, and the wooden support.
History
Friedrich Fehr (1862–1927) was a German painter and educator associated with the late 19th- and early 20th-century European art world. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and developed a career as a painter of portraits, genre scenes, and figurative subjects.
His work included scenes depicting dancers and theatrical performers, reflecting the period's broader artistic fascination with ballet and life behind the stage.
The present painting is based on Fehr's composition Ballerinas in Repose, which depicts seven young dancers seated together in a richly decorated interior. Rather than portraying the dancers performing, the composition captures a quieter moment of waiting, preparation, and reflection.
A documented oil-on-panel example attributed to Fehr appeared at Rago Arts and Auction Center on December 8, 2012. The painting measured approximately 17 × 8 inches, was described as signed, and reportedly retained an exhibition label from the McClees Gallery in Philadelphia.
The auction estimate was $800–$1,200, illustrating the historical market for the composition when catalogued under Fehr's name. This estimate does not establish the value or authorship of the present example.
The painting offered here closely follows the known composition, including the distinctive arrangement of seven dancers, their colorful bodices, seated poses, and architectural surroundings. The illegible red signature may belong to the artist responsible for this particular interpretation.
The designation "After Friedrich Fehr" indicates that the work follows Fehr's established composition rather than constituting an authenticated original by the artist.
Provenance
Previous ownership history undocumented.
The painting is signed illegibly in red at the lower right. No identifiable gallery label, inscription, or maker's mark is visible on the reverse.
The composition is identifiable as being after Friedrich Fehr's Ballerinas in Repose.
Materials
Oil paint on wooden board/panel, with visible brushwork and areas of textured impasto.
The wooden reverse features visible natural grain and mitered corner construction.
Presented unframed.
Dimensions
Approximately 9–10 inches wide × 4.5–5 inches high, based on photographic estimation.
Exact measurements to be confirmed.
Condition/Disclaimers
Antique condition with age-related wear consistent with apparent age and use.
The painted surface exhibits fine craquelure, scattered abrasions, minor losses to the paint layer, and areas of uneven surface texture. Additional wear is visible along the edges and within portions of the dancers' white costumes.
The darker foreground displays notable craquelure and scattered reddish marks, including the reported signature at the lower right.
The reverse exhibits natural wood grain, superficial markings, and signs of age.
The painting is signed illegibly and catalogued as after Friedrich Fehr on the basis of its correspondence with his known composition. The identity of the executing artist, precise date, and geographical origin have not been independently established.
The painting is offered in its existing condition, with no professional conservation or authentication undertaken.