DISCOVERART

Anton Romako

Singers' Contest on the Wartburg

c. 1853
graphite

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In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026

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FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

The story of the Sängerkrieg (minstrel contest) originated from German folklore of the 13th century. According to the legend, six minstrels entered a competition in order to determine who best understood how to sing the praises of a prince. The victory of Heinrich von Ofterdingen enraged the other minstrels who contrived to have him executed. Romako depicted the dramatic moment when the young, beautiful Heinrich appeals to Countess Sophia and gains a reprieve, much to the chagrin of the bloodthirsty, jealous minstrels in the background.

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