GERMAN MAGNIFICENT WILHELM SAUTER SERRE (SOMME) 16 PAINTING.

An absolutely magnificent atmospheric and evocative painting by the extremely well known German painter Wilhelm Sauter, he was born in 1896 and passing in 1948. The painting itself is a calm depiction of an otherwise violent scene being the extensive destruction of farm buildings on the Somme front. The painting comprises of a wonderful blue background with muted colours throughout, these colours held within a similarly coloured frame make an absolutely wonderful picture that would grace any stylish interior. Interestingly in the foreground of the picture is a well defined British tommy helmet laying next to an abandoned 303 rifle. The method of media is oil tempera upon wood, it is signed to the lower right 'W.Sauter' and is circa 1942. Sauter's history is most interesting and he was recognised as one of the most important artists of the Third Reich era having work published in the Kunst Dem Volk August 1940 publication. This expensive publication was produced during the war to promote art that the hierarchy of the Third Reich believed to be highly important in fostering national pride. The work itself is of good large dimensions being 64cm x 105cm and when held within the frame 73cm x 114.5cm. To the reverse is an original mounted label from a German art exhibition of 1942, this being the Great Art Exhibition, this document is signed with swastika devices etc., as well as details of the painter, dates of birth etc., Sauter himself a frontline soldier did take part in the battle of the Somme. The overall condition of the work is magnificent with only a few signs of rubbing to the frame and just a very gentle patination to the paintwork itself.

Code: 61173