Alexandre Pierre Markelbach (1824-1906)
The Secret 1848
Oil on canvas | 63.7 x 55.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406243
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Antwerp-born Alexandre Pierre Markelbach (1824-1906) was primarily a painter of genre scenes and historical subjects. Having trained under Baron Wappers (1803-74), Markelbach made his debut in 1843 and continued to exhibit regularly at Brussels; having become a member of the Royal Academy of Belgium in 1869, Markelbach was later appointed an Officer of the Order of Leopold.
Two full-length female figures bedecked in peasant costume are seen within a woodland clearing. A spring issues from a cluster of rocks to the left where a large jug has been left to fill with water; a scattering of garden vegetables nearby suggests that the young women have been diverted from their chores. One fair-haired woman, looking over her right shoulder, leans into the ear of her dark-haired companion who smiles at the received secret. Two goats linger close by.
Signed: Alex. Markelbach, MunichProvenance
Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848; recorded at Osborne House, 1876
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
63.7 x 55.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
95.1 x 87.0 x 8.8 cm (frame, external)