Related works

Nymph, 1862

Dimensions: 295.0 x 229.0 cm

Physical Description: Oil on canvas

Inventory Number: SG 658

Acquisition: Acquired in 1938 with the Lulu Müller collection

Status: Not on display

Texts

About the Work

The forbidden view. Immersed in the gloom of the woods, the nymph seems to take no notice of the onlooker. The guardian of the forest is as unprotected as she is unapproachable. Her permissive pose and the painting’s monumental scale reveal the influence of Gustave Courbet, who sojourned in Frankfurt in 1858/59 and was in close contact with Müller. Considered immoral by the artist‘s contemporaries, the depiction of the wood nymph triggered vehement controversy. It was nevertheless Müller’s single most-exhibited painting and is regarded as his magnum opus.

Audio

Basic information

01:12
Focus on Frankfurt

01:11
Focus on art history

02:41

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: Nymph

Painter

Victor Müller

Period Produced

19th century

School

realism

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Oil on canvas

Material

canvas

Technique

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Signiert und datiert unten rechts: Victor Müller 1862

Property and Acquisition

Institution

Städel Museum

Departement

Modern Art 1800–1945

Collection

Städtische Galerie

Creditline: Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main

Picture Copyright: Public Domain

Acquisition: Acquired in 1938 with the Lulu Müller collection

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre

Main Motif

woman

Associated Persons and Institutions

Iconclass

Primary

31AA14(+56) human figure of ideal proportions, e.g. academic nude - AA - female human figure (+ lying)
92L3 nymphs (in general); 'Ninfe in commune' (Ripa)
22C9 darkness