Titled “La Sultane,” this remarkable oil painting of a concubine by French artist Christian Ehlinger was on display at the renowned Salon in Paris in 1999.
The largest oil painting in The Michael Aaron Gallagher Fine Art Collection is by French artist Christian Ehlinger (1931-2021). Born in 1931, Christian is the son of famed artist Maurice Ehlinger (1896-1981), whose numerous works were recently on display at the Musée Pierre-Noël de Saint-Dié-des-Vosges and the Musée Baron-Martin in France.
Maurice Ehlinger “Beauté et Vérité” catalogue raisonné.
While researching a painting by Maurice, Michael discovered that his son Christian had not only authored the definitive catalogue raisonné of his father’s paintings (titled Beauté et Vérité) but he was also a respected artist himself. According to Gérard Stehlin, who co-authored the catalogue raisonné along with Christian, the artist once received the Gold Medal from La Société des Artistes Français.
Maurice Ehlinger “Beauté et Vérité Volume 2” catalogue raisonné.
Where Maurice is celebrated for his ability to depict realistic expressions and lifelike fleshtones on canvas, Christian excels in a more modernist approach. He often signed his oil paintings “C.R. Ehlinger.”
Imported to the United States from Europe, the first of the Christian Ehlinger paintings acquired for the collection was a massive oil on canvas of a concubine, entitled “La Sultane.” In 1999, it was displayed at the prestigious Salon in Paris. With its symbolism and uniquely modern style, it is both intriguing and mysterious. It is also currently the largest painting in the entire collection, measuring 64” x 51,” with its own special apparatus for hanging the work for public display.
Cityscape oil painting by French artist Christian Ehlinger.
The second work by Christian featured in the collection is a cityscape. It is painted in a similar style to another one of his Parisian works, which depicts the Eiffel Tower and the Flame of Liberty (an unofficial memorial to Princess Diana). That painting is listed for sale on 1stDibs.com for $2,362. Overall, Christian’s original style brings a fresh perspective to often pictured subjects and scenery.
The third Christian Ehlinger painting is called “The Hunting Party.” It was acquired from The Stag Gallery fine art dealers in Cirencester, England. Set on the grounds of a French château, the piece beautifully depicts a bygone era in the French life, culture and fashion of the wealthy. With the bright cloudy sky that can also be found in his cityscape, there is cheerfulness and excitement that brings an energy to the picture. The pack of dogs at the ready, the horses and riders partially obscured by the trees in the foreground and the château in the distance, all draw your eye to separate areas of the painting. A distinct combination of actions and motifs, no one element takes precedence over the others. Yet, together they create this magnificent moment in time that we can observe as if we are standing on the grounds of this gorgeous estate.
“The Hunting Party” by Christian Ehlinger.
Set on the grounds of a magnificent French estate, the artist captures a moment in time in this impressive oil painting – a hunting party, a French château and a splendid day in the French countryside.
The artist Christian Ehlinger passed away on May 10, 2021, reportedly due to complications from Covid-19. He was 90 years old when he died.
To view more original works of art in The Michael Aaron Gallagher Fine Art Collection click here. For information about works that have been donated to the collection click here.