Paul Emil Jacobs

Private collection, Berlin (in the family since circa 1918)
Purchased in Munich by the present owner in 2017

The canvas has not been lined and is somewhat loose on its wooden stretcher - it might benefit from some light re-tensioning. Some very small spots of flaking are visible in the column to the centre of the composition but appear to be stable. Ultra-violet light reveals scattered areas of cosmetic retouching in the sky, including some spots (notably in the upper left quadrant) which have somewhat discoloured in time and are also visible to the naked eye upon close inspection. Other spots of retouching are also visible in the ground in the lower half of the composition. However, the main composition appears to be untouched. Overall, this work is in good condition and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
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Painted in 1841 following Jacobs’ trip to Greece and Italy, the present work pays tribute to the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830). A group of soldiers, one of them wounded, has taken refuge under the remains of a Greek temple. A Turkish warrior clutches candlesticks and other loot from the nearby burning church, attempting to abduct a Greek young girl as his captive. In desperation her eyes look heavenward as an armed young Greek appears from behind who may yet deliver her from her fate. The Greek war of independence resonated deeply with European intellectuals and artists alike, from Byron to Delacroix, the stoic struggle of a subjugated people against all odds becoming a key inspiration to the Romantic movement. Originally from Gotha in Thuringia, Paul Emil Jacobs studied at the Munich Academy. It may well have been his contact with the many Greek artists who trained there that inspired his own journey to Greece, and indeed this painting.



The authenticity of this painting has been confirmed by the Jacobs Family Archive who will be including it in the forthcoming Jacobs catalogue raisonné as no. 289.