Floor plan

Time and placeGermany

Germany

Melencolia I, by Albrecht Dürer, 1514
Hermann von Wedigh III (died 1560), by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1532
The image shows a residential area with barren trees, rooftops of houses, and people walking along fences. The trees sway in the wind, their branches extending in various directions. The scene is depicted in a monochromatic black and white style, with expressive lines creating a sense of movement and a sketch-like quality. The horizon is high, showing rooftops and the sun above it.
Rhine at the Lurlei, by George Elbert Burr, 1900
This is a drawing of two armored figures on horseback engaged in a joust. Both knights are clad in ornate armor and mounted on horses as they participate in the match. The scene captures the moment of impact, with splintered lances flying in the air. One knight in silver armor with blue accents is being unseated from his horse, while the other knight in red and silver armor remains mounted. Both horses are draped in colors matching their riders' armors. The focus is on the dynamic action and energy of the joust, with fine details showing the armor's shine and the movement of the horses. The drawing is bordered, and there is some script at the top and bottom.
Black ink drawing of forested landscape, statue of woman holding child at pinnacle of mountain.

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Works made in Germany, from every century in the collection.

Section 1, north wall

  1. Melencolia I, by Albrecht Dürer, 1514
    Melencolia IAlbrecht Dürer, 1514Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. Hermann von Wedigh III (died 1560), by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1532
    Hermann von Wedigh III (died 1560)Hans Holbein the Younger, 1532Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. The image shows a residential area with barren trees, rooftops of houses, and people walking along fences. The trees sway in the wind, their branches extending in various directions. The scene is depicted in a monochromatic black and white style, with expressive lines creating a sense of movement and a sketch-like quality. The horizon is high, showing rooftops and the sun above it.
    LandscapeTheo von BrockhusenCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 1, south wall

  1. Rhine at the Lurlei, by George Elbert Burr, 1900
    Rhine at the LurleiGeorge Elbert Burr, 1900Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  2. This is a drawing of two armored figures on horseback engaged in a joust. Both knights are clad in ornate armor and mounted on horses as they participate in the match. The scene captures the moment of impact, with splintered lances flying in the air. One knight in silver armor with blue accents is being unseated from his horse, while the other knight in red and silver armor remains mounted. Both horses are draped in colors matching their riders' armors. The focus is on the dynamic action and energy of the joust, with fine details showing the armor's shine and the movement of the horses. The drawing is bordered, and there is some script at the top and bottom.
    Italian Joust of PeaceUnrecorded German maker, c.1512-1515Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. Black ink drawing of forested landscape, statue of woman holding child at pinnacle of mountain.
    Statue of the Madonna in the MountainsCaspar David Friedrich, 1804Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 2, south wall

  1. The image shows a profile of a person's head and partial neck within a circular laurel wreath. The individual has distinct facial features, including a prominent nose and chin. The hairstyle is tight, wavy locks pulled back, and a laurel wreath crowns the head. The background is plain, with an inscription reading "IMP. CAESAR. TRAIANVS. AVG." Below the portrait are the initials "ISB" and the year "1546". The overall style resembles a classical engraving, featuring detailed line work and traditional iconography.
    TrajanSebald Beham, 1546Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a landscape with a wooden bridge crossing over a river in a valley. The scenery includes cliffs, trees, and flowing water below. The artwork features fine, detailed brushstrokes depicting the texture of the cliffs, foliage, and water. The color scheme is monochromatic with various shades of gray and sepia tones. Two figures are seen on the bridge, contributing to the sense of scale and activity in the serene setting.
    Im Höllenthal (In the Höllen Valley)Johann Christoph Erhard, 1818Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Section 2, north wall

  1. The image depicts a landscape scene from an elevated point of view. The horizon shows distant mountains with smoke rising from the tallest peak. Linear brushstrokes create detailed textures of the rocky landscape, clouds, and birds in the sky. The color palette is monochromatic with earthy tones. Figures are shown engaging in activities near a river, surrounded by trees, rocks, and meadows. Hills lead to mountainous formations on the far horizon, under a cloudy sky with a flock of birds.
    Mountainous Riverscape with FiguresGeorg EisenmannCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Four women with musical instruments lounge in a massive garden courtyard.
    The Interior of the Palm House on the Pfaueninsel Near PotsdamCarl Blechen, 1834Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Section 3, north wall

  1. This is a drawing of a heraldic emblem. The image shows a centaur-like figure holding a bow and arrow, with leaves around its head. Below, there is a shield divided into two sections: the upper part shows shapes resembling birds, while the lower part shows a hound-like animal in a running pose. The shield is surrounded by swirling acanthus-like leaves, with additional decorative elements and a blank scroll space below it.
    CrestMichel Le BlonCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Christ Crowned with Thorns, by Martin Schongauer, 1470–82
    Christ Crowned with ThornsMartin Schongauer, 1470–82Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  3. The Entrance Hall of the Regensburg Synagogue, by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1519
    The Entrance Hall of the Regensburg SynagogueAlbrecht Altdorfer, 1519Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Section 3, south wall

  1. The image shows a landscape drawing with buildings, trees, and a winding path or water feature. The drawing is done in black charcoal on brownish background paper, creating a monochromatic color palette.
    Footpaths and Pavilion in the Dresden Grosser GartenErnst Ludwig Kirchner, c. 1909Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. The image shows a landscape with a valley leading towards two mountain peaks known as the Peaks of Otter. The horizon is low, with the mountains dominating the scene. The brushwork is smooth and delicate, and the color palette consists of muted earth tones, greens, and soft blues. In the foreground, there are cattle grazing in a field with a wooden fence, and a couple of houses among trees to the left. Further back, there are open fields with horses and agricultural activities, leading to a dense tree line at the base of the mountains.
    View of the Peaks of OtterWoldemar Rau, 1858Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. This is a painting of an architectural scene with decorative and religious elements. The painting features a grand interior setting, possibly a church or cathedral, dominated by ornate columns and a ceiling structure. Figures appear on pedestals atop the columns. In the background, there is a depiction of a religious or ceremonial space with detailed balustrades and steps, where figures are shown in dynamic poses. The color palette consists of warm golden hues contrasted with cooler grey tones, highlighting the intricate details of the architecture and figures. This is in the style of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
    Worshippers at the Tomb of Saint PeterMatthäus Günther, 1740/1741Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington