(Italian, 1836-1910)

Four scenes from the life of Kaiser Wilhelm II: Scene in Duke Ernest Gunther's Quarters; In the White Hall, Berlin Palace; Theresse Dragged on Lawn, Empresse Frederick and Professor von Bergmann, each signed "Cortazzo", each stamped verso "The Copyright Of This Subject Is The Property Of George Barrie & Son/Publishers Philadelphia", oil on artist board, each image approximately 10 x 7 in.; matching gilt wood and composition frames, 17-7/8 x 15-1/8 in., Provenance: Private Collection, Florida ; Note: It is assumed that these illustrations by Cortazzo were set to be published in The Private Life of the Kaiser (Kaiser Wilhelm II).ÿNotes verso the backing paper of each painting state similarly that "the Kaiser was so upwrought that he suppressed the pictures and had the government suppress them." Two of the scenes seem improper, possibly causing the Kaiser's reaction. Duke Ernst Gnther, the brother of the Kaiserin, was a source of great embarrassment for the Kaiser and his wife as he searched for a bride and was rumored to be licentious in his behavior. In one such event a woman is represented dancing on a table in his quarters. Another of the paintings features Victoria Empress, consort of Frederick III, German Emperor 1840-1901. Known as "Empress Frederick". She is seen with Professor von Bergmann after having slapped his face. A famous surgeon, he was called in afterÿKaiser Frederick's unsuccessful surgery by Dr. Morell Mackenzie and and his missed diagnosis of cancer. This led to Kaiser Frederick's death. Despite the suppression of the paintings and the statement that they were never published by the author of the note, H. Kierchenbaum, aÿphotogravure print was made from the "Scene in Duke Ernest Gunther's Quarters" in 1900.ÿCortazzo was often used by the publishers, Barrie & Son as an illustrator for their publications. He was a pupil of Bonnat and worked in Paris for Goupil.ÿ

good condition with some abrasions at edges, glue residue verso one; frames with abrasions