Rudolf von Alt

(Vienna 1812–1905)
The Roman Forum in Rome, subsequently inscribed R. Alt by another hand, inscribed on the reverse “den 9ten Mai 1835”, watercolour on paper, watermark C & IH (C & IH Honig), 26.5 x 36.5 cm, inscribed “M. le Baron de Rothschild” on the mount, verso with the numbers L. R. 17 and KG 599 on the cover board, mounted, framed

Provenance:
Collection of Louis Rothschild (1882–1955), Vienna, inv. no. 17;
seized by the Gestapo in 1938;
Intended for the Führermuseum Linz, inv. no. KG 599;
Restitution to Louis Rothschild, 1947;
By inheritance to his widow Baroness Hilda Auersperg-Rothschild (1894–1981);
Her heirs - Private Collection, Austria.

Compare:
Cat. rais. 35/26 The Arch of Constantine in Rome, 1835, Albertina inv. no. 28369;
Cat. rais. 35/39 The Temple of the Sibyl in Tivoli, 1835, Albertina inv. no. 32721;
Cat. rais. 35/29 The Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano, 1835, Albertina inv. no. 32433.

We are grateful to Dr. Maria Luise Sternath for the scholarly advice.

The year 1835 marked a significant milestone in Rudolf von Alt’s artistic development. Following the success of his first journey, the young artist embarked on another study trip to Italy with his father, Jacob. Prince Metternich himself arranged for the issuance of their travel documents. Their route took them through Venice, Verona, Bologna, and Ancona to Rome and Naples, while the return journey led them through Florence, Genoa, Turin, and Milan. At just twenty-three years old, von Alt discovered his exceptional talent for architectural representation, particularly when observing the imposing buildings of Rome. This period saw the creation of numerous works, including Rome from Monte Pincio, The Capitoline Hill, The Pantheon, The Arch of Constantine, The Arch of Titus, The Forum, Tivoli, and The Cloister of San Giovanni. His depictions captivate with their sophisticated use of perspective, meticulously rendered architectural details, and masterful interplay of light and shadow. (Cf. Walter Koschatzky, Rudolf von Alt 1812–1905, Salzburg 1976, pp. 58f.; exhibition catalogue, Rudolf von Alt 1812–1905, Albertina 1984, p. 40)