Violinist in the Belfry Window, 1858

About the Acquisition

Eduard Petsch bequeathed this work to the Städel via his brother-in-law, Wilhelm Manskopf. The bequest apparently provided for the painting to be presented to the Institute together with two further works only after the death of the brother-in-law, which occurred in 1921. Manskopf's executor instructed the management of the Städel to act quickly: the Villa am Forsthaus was not a good place for art in such uncertain times, and he could not guarantee its safety. The Städel was pleased to comply with this request, and a short while later the paintings were in safe keeping in the museum.