Under the elder bush by Hans Thoma

Under the elder bush 1871

hansthoma's Profile Picture

hansthoma

stadelmuseum's Profile Picture

stadelmuseum

oil, canvas

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portrait

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woman

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16_19th-century

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oil

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green tone

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possibly oil pastel

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oil painting

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canvas

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child

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green background

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underpainting

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plant

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animal portrait

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painting painterly

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animal drawing portrait

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portrait art

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fine art portrait

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realism

"Under the Elder Bush" is a poignant 1871 oil painting by German artist Hans Thoma, currently residing in the Städel Museum. The painting depicts a young woman tenderly cradling a sleeping child in a verdant outdoor setting. The soft lighting, detailed brushstrokes, and tender interaction between the figures evoke a sense of tranquility and maternal love. The title and the elder blossoms in the background further enhance the artwork’s idyllic and pastoral themes, exemplifying Thoma’s mastery of realism and his portrayal of everyday life.

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stadelmuseum's Profile Picture
stadelmuseum over 1 year ago

A young woman sits in front of a flowering elder bush, which is still called "lilac" in some parts of the world. She gazes tenderly at the sleeping child in her lap. The intimate attention and familiarity suggest a mother with child. In fact, however, Thoma was modelling his younger sister Agathe (1848–1928) and a boy who was probably also a relative. The group, composed as a stable triangle, is reminiscent of depictions of the Virgin Mary with her Son. Hence, this summer idyll can be considered a precursor for the numerous religious motifs in the artist's later oeuvre.

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