Bavarian Elder with Pipe and Stein
Painting on board (hardboard or plywood) • Richard Deisenroth (signed lower right 'Rich. Deisenroth')
Style & Movement
Bavarian Genre Realism / Heimatkunst (Regionalist Art)
Medium & Technique
Oil on panel; techniques include wet-on-wet application, impasto highlights on the beard and stein, and glazing for facial shadows.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 8 x 10 inches (image), 14 x 16 inches (with frame); Vertical Portrait format.
Subject Description
A classic genre scene depicting an elderly Bavarian man in traditional attire, including a Gamsbart hat. He is shown in a moment of leisure, holding a signature long-stemmed pipe and a grey ceramic beer stein. The composition is intimate and nostalgic, typical of German tavern scenes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paint layer is stable with no significant loss or crazing visible. The frame shows minor gilding wear at the corners.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased in Southern Germany or Austria; frequently sold as souvenirs or decorative gallery pieces for the mid-century middle class. No specific gallery labels are visible on the front.
Art Historical Significance
Deisenroth was a prolific German genre painter specialized in these 'character heads' (Charakterköpfe). This work reflects the 20th-century revival of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish tavern scenes, serving as a cultural celebration of Alpine heritage.
Notable Features
Prominent signature in a contrasting reddish-brown pigment; exceptionally detailed rendering of the beard and the textile texture of the hat; housed in a high-relief gilded 'Swept' frame.
Condition Issues
Mild surface dirt and yellowing of the varnish layer; minor abrasions to the gold-leafing/composition of the ornate Rococo-style frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning and light varnish refreshing by a professional; display away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Maintain the current period-appropriate frame.