Related works

Jan Hus at Constance, 1842

Dimensions: 308.0 x 455.0 cm

Physical Description: Oil on canvas

Inventory Number: 901

Acquisition: Acquired in 1843

Status: On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, stairway

Texts

About the Work

This painting divided the contemporaries: the verdicts ranged from “crown of all paintings” to “sound recommendation for moths and bugs”. It shows the preacher Jan Hus defending his teachings at the Council of Constance in 1415. This glorification of religious opposition exceeded the tolerance of the first Städel director, Philipp Veit. Enraged by the acquisition of the painting, he resigned. Lessing’s painting provoked strong reactions during the politically volatile era of 1815 to 1848. A great number of people felt the work foreboded the revolutionary events of 1848.

Audio & Video

Basic information

01:31
Focus on Frankfurt

01:36

KunstIStück – Carl Friedrich Lessing: Johann Hus zu Konstanz

Sammlungshighlights des Städel Museums in unterhaltsamen und informativen Filmen – das sind die Kunst|Stücke. Entdecken Sie spannende Details zu Kunstwerken aus ungewöhnlichen Blickwinkeln in unter zwei Minuten. Carl Friedrich Lessing: Johann Hus zu Konstanz, 1842, Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main. https://sammlung.staedelmuseum.de/de/werk/johann-hus-zu-konstanz#yt

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: Jan Hus at Constance

Painter

Carl Friedrich Lessing

Period Produced

19th century

School

romanticism

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Oil on canvas

Material

canvas

Technique

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Monogrammiert und datiert unten links: C. F. L. 1842.

Property and Acquisition

Institution

Städel Museum

Departement

Modern Art 1800–1945

Collection

Städelsches Kunstinstitut

Creditline: Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main

Picture Copyright: Public Domain

Acquisition: Acquired in 1843

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre

Main Motif

Persons Shown

Jan Hus

Associated Persons and Institutions

Iconclass

Primary

61B2(HUSS,Jan)21 historical person (HUSS,Jan) - scene directly related with life or life-story (HUSS,Jan)
61A(1415) historical events and situations (1415)
11P164 the Roman Catholic Church vs. Protestantism; (Reformation and Counter Reformation)
11P443 inquisition
11P3112 cardinal
11P3113 archbishop, bishop, etc. (Roman Catholic)
11P3114 prelates, e.g. archdeacon, canon (Roman Catholic)
31A235 sitting figure
31A231 standing figure