Oil on canvas
Germany, 1903
Arthur Illies (1870-1952/53) – German painter and co-founder of the ‘Hamburgische Künstlerklub’
Signed and dated lower left ‘Arthur Illies 1903’
Dimensions: 61.5 x 60.5 cm
Catalog raisonné: presumably Illies O519
Characteristic early work of the artist inspired by French Impressionism; paintings by Arthur Illies fetch up to €14,500 at international auctions
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

Arthur Illies was active as a painter and graphic artist and achieved great fame even beyond the areas of North Germany. Particular significance is attached to his early works until 1914, when Illies studied different artistic periods and motifs. He produced decorative Jugendstil works and created paintings that were deeply inspired by French impressionists like Claude Monet. The present composition was painted in 1903 and shows a summer landscape with a river, lined with grasses and trees. Its bright colors and loose brushwork unveils the impressionist tradition and even refers to pointillist tendencies.

The painting is signed and dated lower left ‘Arthur Illies 1903’. It is in good condition considering its age; the paint surface only appears a bit discolored and shows minimal losses of material, especially along the lower edge. The size of the stretcher is 61.5 x 60.5 cm and the framed overall dimensions are 71 x 70 cm.



Arthur Illies (1870-1952/53)

Karl Wilhelm Arthur Illies was born in Hamburg and mostly remained active in his city of birth. He started his artistic training at the ‘Kunstgewerbeschule’ in Munich in 1889/90, but quickly switched to the Academy of Arts. A few years later, however, he decided to break off, in order to move back to Hamburg in 1892. Between 1895 and 1908 Illies taught at a local painting school, which was followed by a teaching position at the ‘Kunstgewerbeschule’ in Hamburg. Illies is documented as a co-founder of the ‘Hamburgische Künstlerklub’ and was active as a war painter at the Eastern Front in 1915/16. Besides, he was represented with a number of works at the ‘Große Deutsche Kunstausstellung’, between 1941 and 1944. His extensive oeuvre includes paintings and graphic works of various styles and genres, as well as furniture to stucco decorations. Examples of his artistic output can be found, for instance, at the ‘Kunsthistorische Museum’ in Hamburg. (cbo)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.

Auctionata charges the resale rights tax pursuant to Section 26 of the German Copyright Act (UrhG) towards the buyer in case of the sale of an original work of art or photography prior to 70 years having lapsed since the death of their creator. Therefore, Auctionata charges when purchasing a good – if a protection as an original work of art or photography is given – starting from a hammer price of EUR 400 an additional amount, which is calculated according to Section 26 (2) German Copyright Act (UrhG) and which does not exceed the amount of EUR 12,500. You can find more information about resale rights tax in Auctionata´s table of fees and T&C.