(Vienna 1793–1865) The Opening Dance, signed and dated Waldmüller 1863, oil on panel, 46 x 61 cm, craddled, framed, (Rei)

Illustrated and catalogued in: Rupert Feuchtmüller, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, 1793–1865, Leben, Schriften, Werke, Wien 1996, p.524, no. 1069. Rupert Feuchtmüller writes of this painting: The opening dance (...) would have been better described as the signing of the marriage contract, for this is the subject matter of the painting. The two parties to the contract sit at the table on the right at the front, before them an inkstand, with the man on the right holding the quill in his hand and showing his companion the contract. His companion, however, has objections and points to the disputed articles. The heads of each of these two men are excellent character studies. Here Waldmüller has again captured real life in expressive detail. These two country negotiators are characterised not only by their countenance but also by their gestures, even the positioning of their feet. Taking this grouping on the right as his starting point, Waldmüller enhances the movement in the composition as he draws the eye to the left, against the reading direction, following the path of light falling in through the window. The cheerful raising of glasses becomes increasingly lively, only the two women at the table appear engrossed in conversation about the dancing couple, who themselves are now closely entwined. The mother, her hand on the bride’s arm, appears to suggest that enough is enough. A familiar scene – the expressions of all those involved makes this is an almost timeless view of rural life. (Feuchtmüller p. 285.)