Fidus (Luebeck 1868-1948 Woltersdorf bei Berlin), also known as Hugo Hoeppener
"Die Erde" ["The Earth"], Fassung I [Version I], image III from the cycle "Drama von der Doppelseele" ["Drama of the Twin Soul"].
1893
pencil, ink, wash, and watercolour on paper
49,5 x 33,5 cm (19½ x 13¼ in.)
signed and dated lower right: "'Fidus.-93"
verso with collector's mark in violet "EUGEN LUCIUS SCHÖNSTADT/ NO. 30"
with spectacular artist-made frame (see image below)
The Daulton Collection
Provenance:
Formerly in the collection of the German chemist and industrialist Dr. Eugen Lucius (1834-1903), Frankfurt a.M./Schönstadt (who acquired the drawing circa 1900, which then passed by descent until its sale in 2013). Lucius, the founder of the firm Hoechst AG, built up a large collection of early works by Fidus, acquired directly from the artist.
Grisebach, Berlin, 27 November 2013, lot 201.
Ex coll. Barry Humphries (1934-2023), the noted Australian comedian
Publication History:
J. Frecot et. al., Fidus 1868–1948. Zur ästhetischen Praxis bürgerlicher Fluchtbewegungen, Munich, 1972, Cat. No. 1893/15, p. 316 (referenced without illustration).
Discussion:
Die Erde is a composition and theme which Fidus would revisit throughout his œuvre.
