Danse Macabre: Skeletons and Trapeze Artists 1931 Avant Garde Art Deco Period German Expressionist Oil on Board

1920 - 1940

Sold by Skippings Fine Arts

Description

A stunning art deco period painting by German Expressionist Hein Heckroth (1901-1970). A theatre and film designer as well as a painter, you will have seen his work in Michael Powell's "The Red Shoes": Heckroth received an Oskar for his Art Direction of the 1948 film. In his early years, when the artist lived between Germany and Paris, Heckroth was closely associated with the avant garde. His portrait of Berthold Brecht is in the public collection, for example, and his friendship with Oskar Schlemmer, Kokoschka and Max Ernst is documented. Heckroth moved to London in 1935 for work at the Savoy theatre and at Glyndebourne, but would return to France in 1937, to live and paint with Georges Braque in Cassis.

The painting I am proud to present here was painted during this intensely creative decade, the 1930s, and depicts a raucous, ghostly ball featuring skeletons, trapeze artists, dummies, dancers, drinkers and some scantily clad ladies. It may be a project for an avant garde opera.

The oil on hardboard is signed at the lower right and dated (19)31 (the date is slightly hidden under the frame, which fits a little snug).

Measuring 47 x 56 cm, the overall framed size is 57 x 66.5 cm.

Physical Dimensions

Height

47cm (18.50")

Width

56cm (22.05")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Skippings Fine Arts has dated this piece to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA802746

Dealers Notes

Nous parlons français, und wir sprechen auch Deutsch! Paintings may be viewed in Norwich and in Paris, as well as in London and Cambridge by appointment. Please contact us if you would like further details and images of an artwork.

Description

A stunning art deco period painting by German Expressionist Hein Heckroth (1901-1970).

“

A theatre and film designer as well as a painter, you will have seen his work in Michael Powell's "The Red Shoes": Heckroth received an Oskar for his Art Direction of the 1948 film.

Skippings Fine Arts

In his early years, when the artist lived between Germany and Paris, Heckroth was closely associated with the avant garde. His portrait of Berthold Brecht is in the public collection, for example, and his friendship with Oskar Schlemmer, Kokoschka and Max Ernst is documented. Heckroth moved to London in 1935 for work at the Savoy theatre and at Glyndebourne, but would return to France in 1937, to live and paint with Georges Braque in Cassis.

fig 1. Danse macabre: skeletons and trapeze artists 1931 avant garde art deco period German expressionist oil on board — fig 1. Danse Macabre: Skeletons and Trapeze Artists 1931 Avant Garde Art Deco Period German Expressionist Oil on Board

The painting I am proud to present here was painted during this intensely creative decade, the 1930s, and depicts a raucous, ghostly ball featuring skeletons, trapeze artists, dummies, dancers, drinkers and some scantily clad ladies. It may be a project for an avant garde opera.