Artwork

Baiern, Stadt Straubing

Baiern, Stadt Straubing, by Jakob Alt, 1839
Baiern, Stadt Straubing, by Jakob Alt, 1839

Baiern, Stadt Straubing is a print by Jakob Alt. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jakob Alt’s print titled *Baiern, Stadt Straubing* dates from around 1839 and is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a modest riverside town in Bavaria, focusing on everyday activity and a tranquil atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The scene presents a quiet settlement along a river, dominated by a church tower that rises above the clustered rooftops. In the foreground a solitary figure in loose clothing rests on the grass near some shrubs, while a few cows graze nearby, suggesting a peaceful, rural rhythm.

Technique & Style

Alt employs simple linear drawing to delineate forms, using modest variations of line to suggest light and shadow. The restrained handling of detail creates a calm visual tone, emphasizing the ordinary character of the locale rather than dramatic effect.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1839, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in 19th‑century European prints that document regional landscapes.

Context

The work belongs to a broader tradition of German landscape and townscape prints of the early nineteenth century, which often combined topographical accuracy with a gentle, romanticized view of daily life. Alt’s focus on a Bavarian town aligns with contemporary interest in regional identity.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jakob Alt

Artist

Jakob Alt

Jakob Alt was a German painter and lithographer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.