Pre-WWII Oil Painting of Two Hyenas Stalking a Wounded German Soldier by W. Wilken

Description

This original oil painting on canvas depicts two hyenas in the foreground stalking a wounded German soldier who is crawling towards the horizon. At the hyenas' feet are the soldier's WWI-style stahlhelm and emptied canteen. Given these details, we can discern it was completed during the interwar years and is likely metaphorizing the iniquitous conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, with the two hungry hyenas symbolizing the Western Powers and the wounded soldier representing the defeated nation of Germany. The painting, marked with "W. Wilken" in the lower right corner, measures approximately 23.75 inches wide and 19.75 inches tall (including its original wooden frame).

Provenance

Private Collection, Ocala, Florida

Condition Report

This painting is in good condition, with just minor paint loss and no tears to its canvas. The frame still retains its original wire hanger.