Did you notice the Gedenktafel at the Moritz-von-Schwind-Haus? This marks the spot where a famous painter once lived and worked. The Moritz-von-Schwind-Haus stands as a testament to the legacy of Moritz von Schwind. He was a renowned Austrian painter of the Late Romantic era.
The story of this house begins with Schwind’s time teaching at the Städelschule in Frankfurt. From 1844 to 1847, Schwind left his mark on the city. In 1845, Moritz von Schwind designed this villa in the romantic classicism style. The Moritz-von-Schwind-Haus became his home and studio.
Look closely at the parapet. These fields show terracotta decorations from Schwind’s designs. These details offer a glimpse into his artistic vision.
Moritz von Schwind’s time in Frankfurt was creatively rich. The Städel commissioned him in 1844 to paint the large history painting Der Sängerkrieg auf der Wartburg. He also created other paintings such as Der Elfenreigen and Nymphen, einen Hirsch tränkend. Schwind also produced Die Rose and various interior decorations for private homes. He even designed a transparent banner. It celebrated the unveiling of the Goethe monument. This showed an allegory of Goethe’s birth.
In 1846, Moritz von Schwind and his family moved into this house. It was built according to his plans. Though he desired a teaching position at the Städelschule, it never materialized. In 1847, he accepted a professorship at the Munich Art Academy.
The Gedenktafel on the Moritz-von-Schwind-Haus was created by the sculptor Knud Knudsen in 1967. It features a bronze portrait relief of Schwind. Raised letters form an inscription. It commemorates the time Moritz von Schwind lived and worked here. The inscription reads: “In diesem Hause, das nach seinen Plänen erbaut wurde, lebte und arbeitete der Maler Moritz von Schwind von 1846 bis 1847.” This translates to: “In this house, which was built according to his plans, lived and worked the painter Moritz von Schwind from 1846 to 1847.”
The Moritz-von-Schwind-Haus is a reminder of the artist’s impact on Frankfurt. The house is a private property.
Today, the Moritz-von-Schwind-Haus serves as a reminder of Frankfurt’s rich artistic past. It connects us to the life and work of a celebrated painter. As you continue your tour, remember the legacy of Moritz von Schwind. His artistic spirit still resides within these walls.