Friedrich Martersteig

Galerie Ravené, Berlin
Acquired by the family of the present owner circa 1910

Berlin, Berliner Akademie, Kunstausstellung, 1848

Friedrich von Bötticher, Malerwerke des 19. Jahrhunderts, Dresden 1901, vol. 1, p. 983, no. 13

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas has been lined and this is providing an even and secure structural support. The canvas is attached to a wooden keyed stretcher, which appears to be the artist's original. Paint surface The paint surface has a very thick and glossy varnish layer which fluoresces unevenly under ultra-violet light. This is probably due to selective cleaning in the past. There is evidence of fine hairline craquelure throughout the paint surface, however this is secure and stable and of no immediate concern. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows fairly evenly distributed retouchings, particularly in the figures' faces and clothing. However, in the background it is difficult to be certain as to the exact extent of old retouching due to the nature of the varnish layers. Summary The painting therefore appears to be in reasonably good and stable condition and while no further work is required for reasons of conservation, cleaning, restoration and revarnishing could certainly be considered and should significantly improve the overall appearance.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The general assembly, or Diet, of the Imperial States of the Holy Roman Empire met at the small town of Worms, on the Rhine, between 28 January and 25 May 1521. It was presided over by the Emperor, Charles V (1500-58). The Diet is renowned for the appearance of Martin Luther before the assembly to defend his 95 theses and other writings attacking the established church and thus considered one of the foundation stones of the Protestant Reformation. This dramatic meeting saw Luther face a large crowd, confirm his beliefs, and then flee while private conferences were held to determine his fate. 

Martersteig depicts Luther before the enthroned Charles V, who is attended by his guards, his secretary, Alfonso de Valdes, and his advisor, Mercurino di Gattinara. Opposite him, behind Luther, and wearing red, ermine-bordered robes and hats, sit the Electors of Saxony, of Brandenburg, and the Elector Palatine of the Rhine, and behind them, in his cardinal's hat, the Pope's emissary Girolamo Aleandro. Charles V issued the Edict of Worms on 25 May 1521, denouncing Luther as a heretic, who should be arrested, and banning the reading and study of his works. Luther went into hiding in the Wartburg Castle with the help of Frederick III, Elector of Saxony, and re-emerged after the furore had subsided.

Martersteig was a noted Weimar history painter who studied in Düsseldorf for several years under Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow and Ferdinand Hildebrandt and later, in Paris, where he came under the influence of Paul Delaroche and Ary Scheffer. Martersteig adopted subjects for his pictures largely from the history of the Protestant Reformation and the Thirty Years' War. The third centenary of the Reformation made artistic interpretations of events in Martin Luther's life very popular in the nineteenth century, and Martersteig painted at least six works taking Luther as the subject.