Gabriel von Max (Prague 1840-1915 Munich)

“Gratuliere!” [“Congratulations!”]

(Juvenile Monkey with Chrysanthemums)

circa 1900-1915

oil on wood panel

24 x 18 cm (9 7/16 x 8 in.)

signed lower right: G. v. Max

inscribed upper left: Gratuliere!

In 2019, the painting was cleaned and conserved by Ralph Augsburger of ArtCareNYC (in consultation with Harriet Irgang Alden).

Exhibition History:

"The Apes & Us: A Century of Representations of Our Closest Relatives," Stanford University, California, Hohbach Hall, Green Library, January 9, 2024 - June 21, 2024

Publication History:

Nathalie Bondil, "L'animal, notre miroir (Nos expositions imaginaires / Épisode 7)," Beaux Arts, No. 437 (November 2020), pgs. 100-109, ill. pg. 107.

Avant et après Darwin, Les origines du monde, L'invention de la nature au XIXe siècle, Beaux Arts Éditions (Paris: Beaux Arts & Cie, 2020), illustrated, full-page, on cover.

Nathalie Bondil, "Gabriel von Max: 'Peintre de Singes et de Madones'," L'Objet d'Art, No. 573 (December 2020), pgs. 38-47, illustrated at pg. 5 and pg. 44.

Jessica Riskin and Caroline Winterer, The Apes & Us: A Century of Representations of Our Closest Relatives (Stanford, California: Silicon Valley Archives/Stanford University Libraries, 2024), ill. at pg. 14.

Picture Frame for Gabriel von Max, “Gratuliere!"

Maker: Unknown, European/German 

Medium: Sawn, laminated, and painted wood with applied “wave” and “ripple” ornamentation, and gilded liner 

Date: Early 20th Century

Frame Dimensions:

Outside edge H 50.3 x W 44.3 x D 5.4 cm (H 19 13/16 x W 17 7 /16 x D 2 3 /16 inches) 

Rabbet (Rebate) H 24.6 x W 18.6 x D 2.1 cm (H 9 11/16 x W 7 3 /8 x D 7 /8 inches) 

Sight edge H 22.9 x W 17.1 cm (H 9 x W 6 11/16 inches) 

Section width 13.5 cm (5 3 /8 inches)

The frame of Gruss appears to be the original frame for the painting.

The frame was professionally conserved/restored in 2019-2020.

Description of the frame from the framing and gilding conservator's report, August 28, 2020:

"The frame consists of two elements/sections: a broad main frame, and a very narrow inner frame/liner. ... Both elements have simple miter joins. The miters on the main frame are reinforced with large and deep wooden triangles, attached to the back with nails and glue. The frame is designed in the style of German 17th Century ebonized frame with wave and ripple moldings. It has a reverse profile (the highest point is closer to the sight edge). The ornaments consist of wave and ripple molding on the main frame, and stylized chain on the liner. The ripple and wave ornaments on the main frame, as well as the ornaments on the liner, are all made from applied cast composition material (compo), a putty-like mixture of chalk, protein glue, linseed oil, and rosin. The surface finish on the main frame consists of a double ground layer (white and gray), dark red-brown translucent paint applied in successive coats, and highly polished clear coating (possibly wax). The narrow liner is gilded over a gray bole or paint."

Contact:

The Daulton Collection

info@thedaultoncollection.com