Altdeutsche Frau 1884

Albert von Keller painted this portrait, "Altdeutsche Frau," using oil on canvas sometime between 1870 and 1920. The title translates to "Old German Woman" and the painting depicts a woman in what appears to be traditional German attire. Keller was a German painter known for his portraits and genre scenes. He was associated with the Munich School, an academy that contributed to the institutionalization of art. The image seems to offer a glimpse into German society during a time of rapid industrialization and social change. It begs the question: Is Keller romanticizing the past or commenting on the social structures of his time? Is he self-consciously conservative or progressive? To fully understand Keller's intentions, further research into his life, the Munich School, and the socio-political context of Germany during this period would be invaluable. Through such investigations, we can better appreciate the complex interplay between art, society, and historical forces.