Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Beethoven by Edward Steichen

  • This monumental oil on canvas captures a portrait of the famed composer Ludwig van Beethoven
  • The composition was painted by Edward Steichen, also known for his pioneering photography
  • Beethoven is depicted as serious and focused in his dark robes, at once realistic and symbolic
  • This original oil is considered Steichen's finest achievement in painting
  • Get complete item description here
Price Upon Request
Item No. 31-6193

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Edward Steichen
American | 1879-1973

Beethoven

Oil on canvas
Signed "Steichen" (lower left)

"Everything is sacrificed to the idea, a study in the somber supremacy of genius and the martyrdom of the artist. It is the Beethoven of the Fifth, not of the Ninth, Symphony." — Sidney Allen for Camera Work, No. 2, 1903 on Edward Steichen’s Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was Steichen’s most beloved composer, so it is no wonder. . .
Read more
Edward Steichen
American | 1879-1973

Beethoven

Oil on canvas
Signed "Steichen" (lower left)

"Everything is sacrificed to the idea, a study in the somber supremacy of genius and the martyrdom of the artist. It is the Beethoven of the Fifth, not of the Ninth, Symphony." — Sidney Allen for Camera Work, No. 2, 1903 on Edward Steichen’s Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven was Steichen’s most beloved composer, so it is no wonder that this highly expressive and beautiful work features the visage of the great musician. Dark yet enchanting, the musical master stares over his sheets at the viewer. Beethoven is depicted as serious and focused in his dark robes, nearly blending into the background in the lower half of the canvas. Simultaneously realistic and symbolic, the work reflects Steichen’s unmistakable talent for composition, balance and hue. Steichen completed the painting in 1902, immediately receiving critical praise for its commanding nature. Beethoven was hung prominently beside his photos at his first solo show in June 1902 at La Maison des Artistes. The artwork was then proudly exhibited at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, and later at the National Arts Club Special Exhibition of Contemporary Art in 1908.

Though he began his artistic career as a painter, training at the Académie Julian in Paris, Edward Steichen is also known for his role in revolutionizing photography from a commercial tool into an artistic medium. Famed artist and gallerist Alfred Stieglitz often featured Steichen’s artwork in the magazine Camera Work, published from 1903 to 1917 as photography gained popularity. Over the years, Steichen served as the chief photographer for Vogue and Vanity Fair as well as the Director of Photography at the MoMA in New York. His dramatic, highly stylized compositions and curatorial eye catapulted photography into greater prestige. An art critic quipped in 1905: "One should not say that he recalls Rembrandt but rather, at this rate, that Rembrandt will, in time, remind us of Steichen."

As Steichen shifted his artistic focus to photography, he destroyed nearly all of his painted compositions. Beethoven represents one of the very few surviving paintings, and is considered his most remarkable.

Painted 1902

Canvas: 47 1/2“ high by 48“ wide
Frame: 50 5/8“ high by 54 3/4“ wide by 1 1/2" deep

Provenance:
Private Collection of Roland Conklin, purchased c. 1917.
Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, NY, as part of Conklin Estate, c. 1939.
Private Collection.

Exhibited:
La Maison des Artistes, Steichen’s first one-man show, alongside his photographs, June 1902.
Louisiana Purchase Exposition (St. Louis World’s Fair), 1904.
National Arts Club Special Exhibition of Contemporary Art, January 1908.
Read less
Beethoven by Edward Steichen
Period: 1816-1918
Origin: America
Type: Paintings
Depth: 1.5 Inches
Width: 54.75 Inches
Height: 50.63 Inches
Canvas Width: 48 Inches
Canvas Height: 43.75 Inches
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Recently Viewed


The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.