Singers’ Contest on the Wartburg c. 1853

Anton Romako's "Singers’ Contest on the Wartburg" is a pencil drawing that depicts a scene from medieval German legend. The drawing, which dates from around 1853, portrays a crowded, opulent room where a group of figures stand and kneel around a central female figure. Romako, known for his historical and genre scenes, captures the drama and spectacle of the event. The drawing's detailed rendering of the figures' costumes and the architecture of the setting contribute to its historical accuracy and narrative impact. The scene is likely based on the medieval German legend of the Wartburgkrieg, a legendary musical competition held at Wartburg Castle.