Lot Essay
Abendfriede (also entitled Das Lieblingsplätzchen or Rast auf dem Weinberg) is an example of the much admired Volkstümlichkeit at the time and depicts the typical combination of the Romantic and Realistic ideas seen throughout Spitzweg's work. Influenced by the Romantic literature and the humouristic poems of Jean Paul (1763-1825), Spitzweg painted a typical 19th century gentleman quietly enjoying his pipe, overlooking a panoramic view of a town at sunset. The painting is defined according to the ideals of landscape painting circa 1850; an extensive view with a town in the distance. Spitzweg's interest in the Middle Ages is clear in the gothic architecture.
Abendfriede is one of five versions which Spitzweg painted until the 1870s. The first version was commissioned by Carlos Fürst Auersperg, for whom Spitzweg later executed two further versions. All of these works vary in measurements, details of the town and the environment. In the present work, the tower to the left is higher than in the others and is placed slightly more to the left.
There are several sketches for this subject in museum collections: Der Raucher auf der Bank (Dresden, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen), and Kleinstädter pfeifenrauchend auf einer Aussichtsbank (Berlin, Nationalgalerie).
Sold with a certificate of authenticity and accompanying text by Professor Siegfried Wichmann.
Abendfriede is one of five versions which Spitzweg painted until the 1870s. The first version was commissioned by Carlos Fürst Auersperg, for whom Spitzweg later executed two further versions. All of these works vary in measurements, details of the town and the environment. In the present work, the tower to the left is higher than in the others and is placed slightly more to the left.
There are several sketches for this subject in museum collections: Der Raucher auf der Bank (Dresden, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen), and Kleinstädter pfeifenrauchend auf einer Aussichtsbank (Berlin, Nationalgalerie).
Sold with a certificate of authenticity and accompanying text by Professor Siegfried Wichmann.