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Notes
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The artist focuses upon a tender moment between bird and human in this intriguing still life. Heimann’s depiction of his wife’s hands demonstrates their close relationship, and is perhaps an acknowledgment of what she does for him. The open, blue sky symbolises freedom, but the bird apparently choses to remain. Heimann was born in Berlin in 1909 and studied under Emil Orlik, and later under Arthur Segal, before fleeing to Shanghai during the Second World War, where he remained until 1945. Afterwards he settled in California, where he still lives and exhibits. Heimann paints portraits, street scenes and many still-lifes often with a heightened realism. Here the little bird pulling the string taught seems to be in control, while the much stronger human hand loosely grips the other end.
Ben Uri Gallery & Museum
London
Title
Hands of the Artist's Wife with Bird
Medium
oil on board
Measurements
H 34.5 x W 29.3 cm
Accession number
1994-33
Acquisition method
gift from Ellen Benger (the artist's widow), 1994
Work type
Painting
Inscription description
Heimann
