1442 - Anton von Werner (1843 Frankfurt/Oder – 1915 Berlin)

Anton von Werner (1843 Frankfurt/Oder – 1915 Berlin) Moltke and Wilhelm II, Shaking Hands A historically significant study, created around 1890–1896, for the monumental (320 cm x 497 cm) painting “Moltke’s 90th Birthday,” completed in 1896, which was lost during World War II. This painting (enriched by several additional life-size figures) depicts the ceremonial congratulation of Field Marshal Count von Moltke on his 90th birthday (October 26, 1890) by the young Emperor Wilhelm II. Anton von Werner is considered one of the most important chroniclers of his time and a leading representative of Wilhelminism. Since he had good access to the royal and imperial courts, he was thus predestined to masterfully depict the historical events of his era. Oil on painting board. Signed lower right with the monogram “A v W.” A note mounted on the reverse, with partially illegible inscriptions. “P(...) von Werner, Director of the Academy of (...) Berlin (???) Kaiser Wilhelm (...) wishes (...) Count (...) 1890.” 60 cm x 44 cm. Framed. The painting is documented in the online Wvz. at: www.antonvonwerner.de/html/artwork/detail/E497B3B9-452A-4928-B0B6-7453A93740FD.html (where the frame dimensions are incorrectly listed as 69 cm x 53 cm). /V/Oil on cardboard. Signed with a monogram. Label with an indistinct inscription on the reverse.