Born in Berlin on the 28th February 1796, Eduard Pistorius commenced his studies as pupil to the portraitist Willich, before completing his education with Sans-Souci. He emerged from these formative years with the ability to produce paintings replete with delightful touches, and showing a tireless attention to detail. The present work is typical of his representations of episodes from village life, the subjects of which owe much to the works of Brueghel, with simple folk enjoying simple pleasures. Also expert in the medium of aquatint, Pistorius was elected member of the Berlin Academy in 1833, and several examples of his paintings may now be seen in museums throughout Europe. He died, in Karlsbad, on the 20th August 1862.
‘The Blacksmith’ (1834) is a remarkable piece – truly realism at its finest. Every, facial expression, every pebble, every fold in the fabric of the people’s clothes is painted in exquisite detail. Pistorius’ talent is on full display, as the viewer becomes immersed in the scene.