Lot 19

Adolf Joseph Weidlich (1816 - 1885) THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

This exquisite example of a late Nazarine painting by Adolf Joseph Weidlich shows the advent theme of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. The painting bears most of the characteristics of the style the Nazarines drew on from early Christian art: the composition, emphasizing the figures in the foreground, and the figures, depicted in characteristically rigid style, with Joseph’s typical full beard, mid-length hair and archaic clothing. Here he is portrayed as a pilgrim in sandals, a cane resting on his shoulder. He is leading Mary, expecting the birth of her child, also dressed in a simple cloak with a white shroud over her head. The vibrant Raphaelesque color is also clearly seen in the blue and red cloaks of the figures. The masterfully executed painting was exhibited at a Bohemia Art Society exhibition in 1885 and at the time was one of the most expensive items in the catalogue.