Lot 178. Paul MERWART (1855–1902). The Goddess Iris, Messenger of the Gods, on a Rainbow. Oil on panel. Signed lower left and dated “1884” 25 x 50 cm. With its lace-inlaid frame: 80 x 54 cm. Oil on panel, signed lower left and dated “1884”, 9.8 x 19.6 in, with frame: 31.4 x 21.2 in. Estimate €8,000 – 10,000. Osenat.

In this delicate work created in 1884, Paul Merwart depicts Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Suspended in the heavens, she seems to float between the divine and earthly worlds, true to her role as messenger of the gods of Olympus. Draped in a light veil that accentuates the impression of movement and lightness, Iris appears in a luminous and ethereal atmosphere. Beneath her feet, a rainbow in soft hues takes shape—her traditional attribute, symbolizing the link she forges between heaven and earth. The pink parasol she holds above her head adds a touch of grace and whimsy, characteristic of late 19th-century academic painting. Through the finesse of his brushwork and the softness of his color palette, Paul Merwart offers an elegant and idealized vision of the goddess. Here, the artist prioritizes poetry and dreams, transforming the mythological figure into a celestial apparition imbued with charm and delicacy.

Nieduży obraz Pawła Merwarta przedstawiający piękną boginę Iris (mitologia grecka) siedzącą na tęczy. Obraz jest ładny i ze względu na obeność tęczy może przyciągnąć zupełnie nową kategorię osób, niekoniecznie kolekcjonerów, może nawet samego Trzaskowskiego.