Belgern at the Elbe c. 1775 - 1779

"Belgern at the Elbe" is a watercolor painting by Georg Melchior Kraus, a German artist born in 1737. Created between 1775 and 1779, it is a picturesque portrayal of the town of Belgern in Saxony, Germany, situated on the banks of the Elbe River. The painting captures the serenity of the landscape, with the river meandering through the countryside, a small boat with figures rowing gently, and the distant town on the other side. Kraus's delicate brushstrokes and soft watercolor washes create a sense of tranquility and light, characteristic of his landscape works. Currently housed at the Städel Museum, this artwork offers a glimpse into the 18th-century rural life along the Elbe River.