German School c.1820

Essay:

This delightful trompe l'oeil shows a view of the eccentric late 18th century Pfaueninsel Palace. Constructed for Frederick William II of Prussia and completed in 1797 the palace is situated on Pfaueninsel (Peacock) Island in the River Havel just south of Berlin. The Palace was meant to be a place of relaxation for the Frederick William where he could escape court life and spend time with his mistress Wilhelmine von Lichtenau who was involved in the design and decoration of the Palace.

Built in the guise of a Romantic ruin, a theme popular at the time among the European elite, the summer house was meant to resemble a dilapidated Roman country villa. Trompe l'oeil is a wonderfully apt mode to depict the faux Germano-Roman folly. The Palace was itself was a trick for the eyes as the white marble, which it appears to be constructed from, is in fact painted wood.

Provenance:

Private Collection, UK