Madame Franziska, Louise, Emilie, Malvina Schiff (1850-1931)
Object NamePortrait
Artist / Maker
E. Suderitz
(German)
Date1882
OriginBerlin, Germany
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions24 3/4 x 19 in. (62.9 x 48.3 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Edith D. and Torsten E. Lagerstrom. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University.
Object numberUM99.27
Status
Not on viewCollections
CultureGerman
Label TextPrior to the development of photography in the mid-nineteenth century, portraits were painted and common only among people of wealth and high social status. Torsten Lagerstrom's paternal and maternal families were from British, Swedish and German aristocracy. These portraits portray Consul and Madame Schiff, the maternal grandparents of Torsten, painted during their service in the court of Kaiser Wilhelm I in Berlin.
The portrait setting is plain, and the subjects are deliberately posed, wearing formal costumes. The mood is contained- almost somber- and stereotypical of Germanic culture. By selecting a plain background, the artist focuses full attention on the sitters and the viewer's eye is drawn to illuminated pearl necklaces and buttons. Madame Schiff’s facial expression suggests an enigmatic shyness, but her eyes, although averted, encourage the viewer's gaze. In contrast, the Consul's stoic stare and rigid body position keep the viewer at bay, withholding all emotions but exuding self- confidence.
MarkingsSigned upper left corner. Possible signature E Suderitz (difficult to make out in old German script)
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Scheman Building (Iowa State Center), Brunnier Art Museum
Object Name: Portrait
Carol Prusa
1997
Object number: U98.4
Object Name: Portrait
Adalu "Lu" C. Bro
1999
Object number: U99.5
Object Name: Figurine and Scepter
Porzellan Manufakture Nymphenberg
Mid 20th century
Object number: 2.6.71ab
Object Name: Fashion Print
Journal Des Dames et Des Modes
1826
Object number: 13.7.19
Object Name: Portrait
Jean Mather
1930
Object number: U96.3
Object Name: Fashion Print
Journal Des Dames et Des Modes
1830
Object number: 13.7.33
Object Name: Portrait
Wilbur Fiske Noyes
1943
Object number: U82.129
Object Name: Fashion Print
Journal Des Dames et Des Modes
1824
Object number: 13.7.16