Der als Minnesänger verkleidete Herzog Friedrich IV. gibt sich auf der Flucht aus Konstanz seinen treuen Tirolern zu erkennen

Schams employs a warm palette dominated by reds, ochres and browns, creating a lively atmosphere. The handling of light and shadow shows a chiaroscuro influence, giving the figures a three‑dimensional presence and directing the eye toward the central figure. Brushwork is relatively detailed, especially in the facial expressions and the architectural background.

The painting references a 14th‑century episode involving Frederick IV of Austria, who, while fleeing from Konstanz, adopted the guise of a minstrel to avoid capture. By portraying this moment, Schams engages with Romantic historicism, a trend that sought to dramatize medieval legends and national identity in mid‑19th‑century Austrian art.

Since its creation, the canvas has remained in Austrian public collections, ultimately entering the holdings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. No records indicate private ownership or significant transfers before its museum acquisition.