Gustav Spangenberg (German, 1828-1891)
Oil on canvas
30 x 22 in.
This painting is named after the Italian fairy tale by Giambattista Basile titled, "Sun, Moon, and Talia", which inspired "Sleeping Beauty".
Gustav Adolph Spangenberg, born on February 1, 1828, in Hamburg, Germany, was a prominent figure in the world of art, recognized particularly for his prowess as a painter. He hailed from a family with artistic inclinations, being the son of the esteemed Hamburg doctor, Georg August Spangenberg, and the younger sibling to the renowned painter, Louis Spangenberg.
His artistic journey began with foundational drawing lessons under the tutelage of Hermann Kauffmann in Hamburg in 1844. Seeking further refinement, he pursued studies at the trade and drawing school in Hanau from 1845 to 1848, under the guidance of Theodor Pelissier. Eager to expand his horizons, Spangenberg ventured to Antwerp from 1849 to 1851, albeit briefly attending the academy there. The year 1851 marked his sojourn to Paris, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of luminaries like Thomas Couture and Baron Henri de Triqueti. However, his education was primarily shaped by an immersion in the works of German Renaissance masters such as Dürer and Holbein.
In 1857, following a year-long sojourn in Italy, Spangenberg made Berlin his permanent residence. His artistic prowess was duly recognized, leading to his appointment as a professor at the Academy of Arts in 1869, a position from which he would significantly influence generations of aspiring artists.
Spangenberg's legacy is primarily defined by his historical paintings, which echo the techniques and styles of the old German masters. His works are characterized by their meticulous composition, precise drawing, and dedicated execution. Notably, his masterpiece "Train of Death" (1876), housed in the Berlin National Gallery, garnered widespread acclaim, earning him the prestigious gold medal.
A testament to his multifaceted talent, Spangenberg was commissioned to adorn the staircase of the University of Halle with a cycle of murals symbolizing the institution's faculties. This monumental project not only showcased his artistic prowess but also earned him an honorary doctorate in philosophy in 1888.
Tragically, Gustav Adolph Spangenberg's illustrious journey came to an end on November 19, 1891, at the age of 63, in his villa at Motzstraße 3 in Charlottenburg, Berlin. He was laid to rest in Cemetery I of the Jerusalem and New Church, where his brother Louis would join him in eternal repose two years later. Today, his contributions to the art world continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
