This mid-19th-century oil painting by German artist Hermann Weiß (1822-1897) depicts a musketeer lying upon the floor of a 17th-century interior, following an eventful game of cards. Weiß was an accomplished painter, professor, and history writer.
Sprawled in purple breeches, his sword resting alongside, blood (or wine) on his shirt, eyes closed. Is he deceased, killed by a rival player, or drunk due to his pecuniary woe? The tale is a theatrical one and probably inspired by the writings of French author Alexandre Dumas. The Three Musketeers was published in 1844, and the painting dates to 1848. The drama, coupled with the attention to detail, is typical of the artist’s oeuvre.
Born in Hamburg, Weiß trained initially at the Berlin Academy of Arts under Johann Samuel Otto, before heading for the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, renowned for its exemplary teaching methods. It was an exceedingly traditional affair with emphasis placed upon storytelling through art. Students often selected subjects imbued with a narrative, and painting historical scenes was a popular endeavour. Many gained significant patrons and respect for the Academy spread both in Germany and overseas.
In 1850, now furnished with a deep respect for the old masters and a passion for history, Weiß returned to Berlin, where he exhibited works at the Berlin Academy of Arts. These were primarily scenes, either capturing everyday moments within dwellings or describing past events. Around this time, he also undertook study trips to Austria and France.
Evidently, he was a learned man as, alongside his work as a painter, he was appointed as the Assistant Director of the Museum of Prints and Drawings, and Professor at the Berlin Academy. This combination of artistic prowess, academia and a passion for history resulted in his highly-regarded book, ‘Handbuch der Costümkunde’ (Handbook of Costume Studies).
It appears that his painting career dwindled as he aged, with his focus turning to educating the next generation of pioneering German storytellers. This is an excellent example of his work. It was shown in Berlin in 1950.
Signed/dated in the lower left and held in its original ornate stucco frame. Signed and inscribed ‘Berlin’ by the artist on the reverse.
Learn more about Hermann Weiß in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 16” x 19” / 40cm x 48cm
Year of creation: 1848
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on the reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Brandenburg, Germany.
Exhibited: Berlin, Akademische Kunstausstellung, 1950.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Artist’s auction maximum: £2,038 for ‘Küchenstilleben’, Oil on canvas, Leo Spik, Gemälde Alter Und Neuer Maler Aquarelle - Zeichnungen - Graphik Skulpturen - Porzellan - Fayence - Silber, Berlin, 20 October 2005 (lot 399).
Our reference: BRV2136
