Subject
It’s one of the best-known portraits of Goethe, made by his friend Tischbein, who accompanied him on his tour of the Roman Campagna when he visited the ancient tombs. The renowned author is depicted sitting and leaning on one arm. Next to him, the artist represents a relief on which Orestes, Iphigenia and other mythological characters are sculpted; you can also catch a glimpse of the Cecilia Metella tomb and the arches of an aqueduct and Monte Cavo stands out against the background.
Accession number 1157
Oil on canvas
Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein, Haina 1751 – 1829 Eutin
1787
166 x 210.3 cm
Placement
Städel Museum
Credits
Städel Museum
