Karl Freidrich Schinkel - View of the Flower of Greece [1836]

Karl Freidrich Schinkel - View of the Flower of Greece [1836], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

Against the background of an ideal Greek townscape, naked heroes are constructing an Ionic temple with a double row of columns. The motif of the procession on the frieze of the temple is of reminiscent of that the Parthenon. The painting captures the moment when the last marble block of the frieze is being heaved into position with a considerable expenditure of effort. The block has come from a temporary workshop where work on other sculptures is already under way. As in other works, Schinkel is alluding here to the Napoleonic wars and Prussia’s struggle for independence. In addition there are also thoughts of Greece breaking free from Turkish rule, which had almost been achieved at the time when this picture was painted.

Karl Freidrich Schinkel (Neuruppin, March 13, 1781 - Berlin, October 9, 1841) was the foremost Prussian architect, city planner and painter.

[Oil on canvas, 94 x 235 cm]