Von Spitzweg zu Sisi

In the Biedermeier period, scenes and idylls of the early works by Carl Spitzweg (1808-1885), odd misfits, soldiers, monks and maids are all featured in the middle-class provincial milieu of the time. Informed by a free painting style, however, the landscapes of his late works anticipate Impressionism. Comprising 430 objects, the Werner Friedrich Ott Collection in the Stadtmuseum Ingolstadt includes, alongside paintings and drawings by the famous artist, an extensive Historicist collection of arts-and-crafts objects. In a time when political, economic and social relations in Europe underwent massive upheaval, the nobility and an increasingly stronger middle class often drew upon the authoritative symbolism used to establish their identity of earlier times. They placed great value on the exquisite handcrafted work and the luxurious materials of their goblets, pitchers, ornamentation and jewellery. Particularly coveted were objects furnished with dedications from prominent personages, such as Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' of Austria. An exhibition will run from 28 May to 26 November, at the Stadtmuseum Ingolstadt, Germany. Text in German.