Portrait of the actor Ernst von Possart as Narcissus

Ernst von Possart (1841-1921) was one of the most prominent actors and directors in Germany in the 19th Century. The play Narziß by Albert Emil Brachvogel (1824-1878) was one of the most offered tragedy plays in the mid-19th Century, as it was the most favourite play of King Ludwig II. In the present lot, Camphausen depicts Ernst von Possart as Narcissus. Von Possart was allowed the leading role as Narziß for the entire time this play was displayed after approval and insistence of King Ludwig II himself.