Portrait of the castle actor Baumeister in the role of the Pied Piper of Hamelin 1868

This watercolor portrait by Josef Kriehuber, created in 1868, depicts the Austrian actor Baumeister in his role as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The image captures the essence of the famous German folk tale, portraying Baumeister as a charismatic figure with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His ragged attire, including a patched-up cloak and trousers, suggests a travelling performer, enhancing the mysterious and enigmatic allure of the Pied Piper. The simple background and the actor's pose, as if about to enchant his audience, further contribute to the captivating narrative of this iconic character.