Johann Baptist Pflug

Princess Pauline Olga Helene Emma zu Wied, née Württemberg (1877–1965), daughter of King William II of Württemberg and Princess Marie of Waldeck and Pyrmont, and spouse of Prince William Frederick zu Wied;

Thence by descent to Duchess Marie von Württemberg.

U. Degreif, J.B. Pflug: Johann Baptist Pflug (1785–1866): Werkverzeichnis, Lindenberg 2016, pp. 210, 318, cat. no. WVZ G 15, reproduced.

The genre painter and draughtsman Johann Baptist Pflug is celebrated today as a specialist in capturing everyday life in nineteenth–century Germany. Born in Biberach, Pflug began his training in 1806 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. After a few years here, he returned to his hometown, where he taught at the Biberach Gymnasium and remained for the remainder of his career. He trained and mentored several artists as part of the 'Biberach School', including Eberhard Emminger and Anton Braith.

In this signed and dated canvas, Pflug has captured with his characteristic attention to detail a crowded wedding celebration. The interior scene teems with colorfully attired figures of all ages, each rendered with a distinct individuality. They gather in small groups around tables in the foreground, and in the centre background, many dance before a band of musicians.