The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 20, 2024
Singers' Contest on the Wartburg
c. 1853
(Austrian, 1832–1889)
Sheet: 39.4 x 52.8 cm (15 1/2 x 20 13/16 in.)
Location: not on view
Description
The story of the Sängerkrieg (minstrel contest) originated from German folklore of the 13th century. According to the legend, six minstrels entered a competition in order to determine who best understood how to sing the praises of a prince. The victory of Heinrich von Ofterdingen enraged the other minstrels who contrived to have him executed. Romako depicted the dramatic moment when the young, beautiful Heinrich appeals to Countess Sophia and gains a reprieve, much to the chagrin of the bloodthirsty, jealous minstrels in the background.- Ernst von Vollbehr; Winterberg Kunst, Heidelberg, Germany 2011; C. G. Boerner, NYC
- Themes and Variations: Musical Drawings and Prints. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 25-May 17, 2015).
- {{cite web|title=Singers' Contest on the Wartburg|url=false|author=Anton Romako|year=c. 1853|access-date=20 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2012.55