An exceptional 1912 portrait by Henry Eugene Fritz (German-American, 1875-1956) of a striking young woman (noted on reverse to be "Miss Schimang") confidently posing in an opulent room adorned with some of the most stylish luxuries of her day. An ornate tapestry that could be a work of art all on its own forms the backdrop. A silver tea service sits at her left. Artwork in ornate gold wood frame measures. Signed "H.E. Fritz / 1912" at lower right. No detail is overlooked, down to the wrinkles in the Persian rug. Artwork in ornate gold frame measures 37.75" x 31.5". Artwork and frame in very good age appropriate condition with only minor wear.
From Art Brokerage:
Henry Eugene Fritz (American, 1875-1956.) Henry Eugene Fritz was born in 1875 in Lubben, Germany. He studied art in both Germany and New York City. Fritz attended Cooper Union Art School in New York City, as well as Columbia University, New York University from which he received a Doctor of Pedagogy, the National Academy of Design, the Society of Beaux-Arts Architects and the Art Students League. Some of the prominent painters he studied with were George Bridgman, Robert Blum, George Maynard, Charles Y. Turner and Arthur W. Dow. Fritz was a member of the Eastern Arts Association, the Kit Kat Club in New York City and the New Rochelle Art Association. He received an Honorable Mention for work hung in the 1922 Salon of the New Rochelle Art Association. He was also awarded a Gold Medal from the National Academy of Design for his artwork. Dr. Fritz taught art in New York City's Stuyvesant High School beginning in 1904. He became head of the art department, a position he held until his retirement in 1940. In addition to his teaching he wrote "Art for Gifted Students" (published by the American Book Company) and "Education of Gifted Children" in 1918. During his lifetime his work was exhibited in New York City, Westchester County, NY, Sarasota, FL and Boone, NC. Two of his watercolors are in the permanent collection of the Gibbs Museum, Charleston, SC. Over his long career he painted landscapes, city scenes, still-lifes and figures in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and France as well as in New England, the Carolinas and Florida. Dr. Fritz had a long productive life, painting until his 79th year. He died at the age of 81 in Bryn Mawr, PA.
