Memories
Germany, 1873
Watercolour over pencil, partly highlighted with gouache in gold
32.6 x 44 cm
This watercolour is an allegory of the arts commissioned by the Buhler family of Berne.
Alongside the attributes of painting, sculpture and architecture the intricate gothic design includes the Swiss city’s heraldic bear and key landmarks. The composition emulates the illuminated capitals of medieval manuscripts. The mottoes placed in the lower margin are by Ludwig I of Bavaria and the poet Emanuel Gaibel amongst others.
Purchased in 2005 (No. 2005.6)