Guarisco Gallery 2012

53 Carlos Ewerbeck German, fl. 1872-1908 Ophelia at River’s Edge signed, o/c 47-1/2” x 24-1/2” 60” x 38” fr. rtists of the 19 th century often drew inspiration from contemporary and historical literature. The character Ophelia from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ was one of the most popularly rendered characters in the visual arts. The psychologically and emotionally charged scene of her death provided a challenging opportunity for artists. Here, Carlos Ewerbeck depicts Ophelia as she contemplates entering the water, standing gracefully with a preternatural calm. She is eternally preserved in this moment as lumi- nous and beautiful amidst a lush and psychologi- cally suggestive environment. Enrico Fanfani Italian, 1824-1885 Classical Beauty by the Sea signed, o/c 45-1/2” x 33” (55” x 42” fr.) A “Victorians in Togas” he depiction of classical subjects and themes drawn from historical events and Greek and Roman mythology had always enjoyed a steady popularity in Europe. How- ever, in the nineteenth century, while the subjects and themes remained, the representation and interpretation changed to address the new thoughts and morays of a new contemporary patron class. No longer were heroes wrestling dragons or fighting with immortal gods. In- stead, these newer works were imbued with a timeless, human element that resonated in the Victorian viewer. T