Heinrich Spiess

The Love Letter

Heinrich Spiess

The Love Letter

This mid-19th-century oil painting by German artist Heinrich Spiess (1832-1875) depicts a young lady reading a love letter.

It’s an accomplished work by an artist with a profound admiration for the old masters.

Once again, she’s returned to her jewellery box to unearth a treasured letter from an admirer. Every time surreptitiously tucking it away from prying eyes. There’s a chill of excitement as she delicately holds his words with both hands. A shudder of emerging romance, a dream unfolding. She’s not wearing a wedding ring - but for how long?

Whatever happened to love letters? Such a pleasing way of conveying one’s feelings.

Heinrich Spiess was immersed in the illustrious world of the old masters from an early age. His father, August Fred Spiess (1806-1855), was a notable draughtsman and produced numerous engravings after eminent Renaissance luminaries. They worked together on various projects. As a child, the young Heinrich would’ve been surrounded by old master prints. Here, we see a subtle nod to the Dutch masters of the 17th century, such as Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) and Gabriël Metsu (1629-1667).

Heinrich Speiss trained at the Munich Academy. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the Bavarian National Museum in Munich.

Signed lower left and held within a Dutch-style wooden frame, probably original.

Learn more about Heinrich Spiess in our directory.

Medium: Oil on wood
Overall size: 19” x 23” / 48cm x 59cm
Year of creation: c. 1860
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Our reference: BRV1260

Conservation & History

We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

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