Max Rabes. 1868 Samter - 1944 Vienna) "Carnival ball". Original title The narrative scene, painted with virtuoso, loose, impasto brushstrokes and luminous colouring, shows a view of a ballroom imposingly illuminated by a chandelier, in which a society is celebrating a cheerful costume party. While some people are dancing lively, others are engrossed in conversation and sitting on the chairs lined up around the dance floor. With its effective lighting, impressionistic style and colourful palette, this is a characteristic cabinet painting by the Berlin artist, who was one of the most famous German painters under Kaiser Wilhelm II. After his initial self-study from nature, he learnt from the Berlin architecture and landscape painter Paul Graeb. On Graeb's recommendation, he also trained with the decorative painter Paul Borgmann, which resulted in several commissions to paint the walls of prestigious buildings, including three allegorical murals for the theatre in Breslau (1906). Rabes travelled extensively not only in Europe, but also in North Africa and the Middle East, including accompanying Kaiser Wilhelm II on a trip to Constantinople and the Middle East in the autumn of 1898 together with his fellow painters Carl Saltzmann and Wolfgang Christian Gentz. Rabes processed the impressions he gathered in numerous Oriental views and genre paintings and quickly became the main representative of Oriental painting in Berlin. His works, which were entirely in line with the political interests of the German Empire, were recognised at the highest level. From the 1890s onwards, he was one of the most exhibited artists in Berlin and received numerous awards and honours, including the Cross of Merit of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Oil on canvas. (Painting stamp by Otto Ebeling, Berlin). Signed lower right; verso inscribed and labelled "Prof. Rabes". 60.3 cm x 58 cm. Frame. Oil on canvas (supplier's stamp of Otto Ebeling, Berlin). Signed. Inscribed with title on the reverse.