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Hands of the Artist's Wife with Bird

Image credit: Ben Uri Collection

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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 acknowledgement of what she does for him. The open, blue sky symbolises freedom, but the bird apparently chooses 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 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

presented by Ellen Benger (the artist's widow), 1994

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Heimann

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Ben Uri Gallery & Museum

108a Boundary Road, St John's Wood, London, Greater London NW8 0RH England

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