(Berlin 1847–1935) Children playing – interior with two small girls, signed and dated, M. Liebermann 99, oil on canvas, 59.5 x 94.5 cm, framed, (PS)

Certificate: Matthias Eberle, Max Liebermann-Archiv, Berlin, Berlin 2.7.2005 Provenance: Hugo Helbing, Munich (auction 1902) Rudolph Lepke, Berlin (auction 1902) Dr. Julyus Elias, Berlin (1914) private ownership, New York (1940) Christie’s, London (auction 1990) Georg Schäfer Collection, Schweinfurt (label on the stretcher, numbered 3720) Exhibitions: Ölgemälde, Handzeichnungen und Aquarelle alter und moderner Meister, Hugo Helbing, Munich, 2.6.1902, no. 73, ill., p. 20 Rudolph Lepke,1317. Auction, Berlin, 25.11.1902, no. 49, ill. (M 2870) Max Liebermann, Schoemann Galleries, New York, 26.3 - 26.4.1940, no.4 (The Sisters, 1899) In this painting Max Liebermann depicts an intimate scene with two girls playing. With her back to the viewer, a chubby-faced girl in a dark dress and white apron is sitting on the floor proudly holding a doll in both her hands. In front of her an older girl in a dark dress and the same white apron is lying on her stomach and embracing the small child tenderly with both hands. Both girls focus their gaze on the doll at the centre of the picture. This image probably dates from Liebermann’s stay in Holland, based on a dating of the clothing of the girls, according to Matthias Eberle. Liebermann was concerned with scenes of everyday life, which he redefined as a painter with a style of painting which dissolved contours and thus seems sketchy in its balanced earthy tonality. In this manner the touching mood of the interior scene is brought to life. It is the particularly tender trust between the girls, their gentle companionship, totally focused on one another, which fascinates us. The interiority of the peaceful, amicable scene speaks for itself. The viewer does not wish to force himself into this world of children; he remains as an observer and is not allowed to disturb the scene.