Fritz von Uhde (1848-1911)
Costureras (Seamstresses)
The Quiet Liturgy of Labor.
Fritz von Uhde traded the cavalry sword for the pastel stick, becoming one of the most sensitive observers of German Impressionism. He found the sacred not in altarpieces, but in the quiet corners of domestic life.
In this 1902 pastel, two generations are bound by a single thread. It is a study in transmission: the confidence of the elder hands guiding the focus of the younger. The muted ochre tones and the soft, window-lit atmosphere turn a simple lesson in sewing into a meditation on patience and continuity.
Why it matters: A high-quality work on paper by a recognized 19th-century master at a remarkably accessible price point. It captures the essence of the "Munich Secession" era—moving away from academic stiffness toward the vibration of real life.
Details:
Pastel on paper.
48 x 58 cm (18.9 x 22.8 in).
Signed and dated lower right: 1902.
Market Context:
Auction: Setdart, Barcelona.
Date: 14 Oct 2025.
Estimate: €10,000.