Albert Anker

His two daughters Sophie Marie (1872–1954) and Fanny Cécile (1877–1956) are once again depicted reading. This time in miniature form, watercolors that most likely originate from one of Anker’s sketchbooks and were subsequently removed and framed. Given the age of the sitters, the undated watercolors are likely to have been produced during the mid-1880s. They are small studies that record the activity of evening reading by kerosene lamp. Albert Anker has masterfully succeeded in transforming the play of light from the reading lamp into a symbolic image that demonstrates the benefits of learning. Everything behind little Cécile sinks into darkness, while the expression of concentration and absorption on her face is brightly illuminated. With her elbows supported by the tabletop, her upper body forms a solid triangle, framed, horizontally, by the table and, vertically, by the lamp. Both the direction of the lighting and the composition itself emphasize order, clarity, and balance.

Marie, in contrast, is depicted from the side, bending over a piece of paper and writing. Her delicate face and diligent hands are likewise illuminated, obtaining a sharp outline against the shadowy background. Both watercolors are owned by relatives of Albert Anker and are on permanent loan to Kunstmuseum Bern. They are being exhibited publicly for the first time.