View to the Taunus Mountains, 1840

About the Work

Italy is somewhere in Hesse, one might think. Philipp Veit’s evening view across the plain towards the Taunus is dominated by a seemingly southern light. It is reminiscent of Italy, with its central group of poplars and the mountain range bathed in a bluish haze. This is the only surviving landscape painting by Veit, who lived in Rome for several years from 1815 onwards. The Nazarene became particularly famous for his large-format works with religious and historical contents. He also achieved importance as an art scholar and, from 1830 to 1843, was director of the Städel Museum.