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the collector's folio

Carl Spitzweg Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Carl Spitzweg our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Carl Spitzweg · 1808 – 1885

The Poor Poet, 1839, Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #1: The Poor Poet
1839 · Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Berlin · original 36 x 45 cm

Discover 'The Poor Poet' by Carl Spitzweg (1839). A captivating Biedermeier painting of a solitary scholar. Explore realism, symbolism & timeless appeal.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 1 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20235 × 28 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$22145 × 36 cm Commission at original size

The Poor Poet – catalogue record by Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #2: The Poor Poet
1837 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

A hauntingly beautiful depiction of a solitary man surrounded by books and his cat, this 19th-century Biedermeier masterpiece by Carl Spitzweg invites you to explore the evocative charm of The Poor Poet.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 2 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The Poor Poet by Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #3: The Poor Poet
1837 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

A poignant scene of a struggling artist sheltering under an umbrella in his attic room by Carl Spitzweg captures the tender essence of Biedermeier life and invites you to bring this soulful masterpiece into your home.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 3 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Carl Spitzweg: The Alchemist

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #4: The Alchemist
1860 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

Discover 'The Alchemist' by Carl Spitzweg! A captivating black & white painting depicting an old alchemist at work, showcasing Biedermeier artistry and a touch of whimsical charm.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 4 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17732 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

The Garret II

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #5: The Garret II
1855 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

Delve into Carl Spitzweg's 'The Garret II,' capturing a poignant moment of longing amidst Bavarian simplicity. Observe the young man’s gaze, mirroring his fascination with a distant woman and symbolizing unfulfilled desires.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 5 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Poor Poet by Carl Spitzweg, 1839

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #6: The Poor Poet
1839 · Neue Pinakothek, Munich · original 36 x 45 cm

Explore 'The Poor Poet' by Carl Spitzweg (1839). A hauntingly beautiful oil painting of a solitary artist, showcasing 19th-century realism & evocative atmosphere.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 6 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19645 × 36 cm Commission at original size

Carl Spitzweg: The Angler

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #7: The Angler
Gemäldegalerie, Dresden · original 25 x 18 cm

Discover "The Angler" by Carl Spitzweg – a Romantic landscape painting of serene solitude & contemplation. Explore Biedermeier charm & atmospheric detail.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 7 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$22726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The Cactus Lover – catalogue record by Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #8: The Cactus Lover
1855 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 8 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Carl Spitzweg, The bookworm (1850)

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #9: The bookworm
1850 · original 48 x 27 cm

A satirical depiction of a man lost in literature, Carl Spitzweg's The Bookworm captures the Biedermeier era with charming detail and invites you to explore this masterpiece of German Romanticism for your collection.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 9 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17723 × 43 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$18627 × 48 cm Commission at original size

In the Alpine High Valley (Landscape with Mt. Wendelstein) by Carl Spitzweg, 1871

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #10: In the Alpine High Valley (Landscape with Mt. Wendelstein)
1871 · Kunstpalast, Duesseldorf · original 590 x 885 cm

In the Alpine High Valley (Landscape with Mt. Wendelstein)

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 10 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

The Everlasting Bridegroom - Carl Spitzweg (2026)

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #11: The Everlasting Bridegroom - Carl Spitzweg
2026

Discover Carl Spitzweg’s The Everlasting Bridegroom, a romantic acrylic masterpiece capturing Bavarian charm and timeless love. Add this evocative wall art to your collection today.

View the artwork

Carl Spitzweg: The Astronomer (Stargazer)

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #12: The Astronomer (Stargazer)
1860 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

A profound sense of scientific curiosity defines Carl Spitzweg's The Astronomer, a 19th-century masterpiece that invites you to bring the magic of the night sky into your home.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 12 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Carl Spitzweg: The Poor Poet

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #13: The Poor Poet
1837 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 13 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The astrologer (1863)

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #14: The astrologer
1863 · Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg · original 48.0 x 27.5cm

This Biedermeier oil painting by Carl Spitzweg captures a mystical scene of celestial observation. Discover this charming masterpiece today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 14 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20224 × 42 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$21228 × 48 cm Commission at original size

Hermit and Devil by Carl Spitzweg, 1870

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #15: Hermit and Devil
1870 · Lenbachhaus, Munich · original 53.0 x 31.0cm

This moody Biedermeier oil painting by Carl Spitzweg depicts a hermit and a shadowy devil. Explore this atmospheric masterpiece today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 15 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17724 × 41 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19631 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Arrival of the Stagecoach, 1859, Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #16: Arrival of the Stagecoach
1859 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

Experience the nostalgic charm of a bustling European village scene by Carl Spitzweg, capturing 19th-century life with whimsical detail; discover this timeless piece today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 16 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Study for The Poor Poet by Carl Spitzweg, 1837

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #17: Study for The Poor Poet
1837 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

A poignant oil study by Carl Spitzweg capturing a tender moment of literary devotion with its warm tones and intimate atmosphere, perfect for collectors seeking a touch of 19th-century German Romanticism.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 17 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Minister Tending his Cactuses by Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #18: The Minister Tending his Cactuses
1855 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 30.0 x 20.0cm

This Biedermeier oil painting by Carl Spitzweg captures a quiet moment of gardening. Discover the charm of this intimate masterpiece today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 18 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17724 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Serenade (Midnight Violin on the Ladder) – catalogue record

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #19: Serenade (Midnight Violin on the Ladder)
1850 · Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee

Experience the whimsical melancholy of Spitzweg's Serenade, featuring a violinist on a ladder against a dark night sky; discover this poetic 19th-century masterpiece today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 19 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17723 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Papal Customs Audit

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #20: Papal Customs Audit
1855 · Lenbachhaus, Munich · original 37.5 x 30.0cm

This Biedermeier genre scene by Carl Spitzweg captures a busy customs inspection. Shop this beautiful oil on panel reproduction today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 20 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$20228 × 35 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$20630 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Old Gentleman on the Terrace by Carl Spitzweg, 1875

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #21: Old Gentleman on the Terrace
1875 · Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg · original 21.1 x 11.9cm

This tranquil Biedermeier oil painting by Carl Spitzweg captures a solitary figure in sunlight. Shop this timeless masterpiece today.

Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 21 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

The Sentry Duty

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #22: The Sentry Duty
1871 · Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Carlsruhe · original 53.3 x 31.5cm
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 22 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$19732 × 53 cm Commission at original size

Venetian Street by Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #23: Venetian Street
1850 · Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin · original 31.5 x 16.0cm
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 23 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17722 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

The Hermit in front of His Retreat, 1844, Carl Spitzweg

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #24: The Hermit in front of His Retreat
1844 · Städel Museum, Frankfurt · original 30.5 x 34.5cm
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 24 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17733 × 30 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$17935 × 31 cm Commission at original size

The Widower (1844)

View the most popular artwork of Carl Spitzweg ranked #25: The Widower
1844 · Städel Museum, Frankfurt · original 58.0 x 66.5cm
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 25 of 151 artworks by Carl Spitzweg
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17734 × 30 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$26267 × 58 cm Commission at original size
The artist

Carl Spitzweg

1808 – 1885

Portrait of Carl Spitzweg
Quick facts
  • Top 3 worksThe Poor Poet
  • Best occasionsaccent, mood
  • Died1885
  • Typical colorsespresso
  • Corpus themesflemish masters influence, biedermeier era themes
  • Also known asKarl Spitzweg, Spitzweg, Karl V. Spitzweg, Franz Spitzweg, Spitzweg Karl
  • Creative periodsmature period
  • Copyright statusPublic domain
Biography

A Life Dedicated to Gentle Observation: The World of Carl Spitzweg

Born in the Bavarian village of Unterpfaffenhofen near Munich on February 5, 1808, Carl Spitzweg’s path to artistic renown was anything but conventional. Initially destined for a practical life – first as an apprentice pharmacist following his father's wishes – fate intervened in the form of illness and recovery, during which a latent passion for painting blossomed. This wasn’t a sudden conversion, however; it was a gradual unfolding nurtured by copying the works of Flemish masters, absorbing their meticulous detail and atmospheric depth. The early years were marked by a dutiful adherence to his father's plans, yet even within the confines of pharmaceutical study, Spitzweg’s artistic inclinations persisted, hinting at a spirit that yearned for creative expression. His family background was one of comfortable prosperity; his father, Simon Spitzweg, a successful merchant, and his mother, Franziska Schmutzer, from an affluent family, provided a stable foundation, though perhaps not initially understanding of their son’s artistic leanings. The inheritance he eventually received would prove pivotal, granting him the financial freedom to fully dedicate himself to painting in 1833.

From Pharmacy to Palette: Developing a Unique Artistic Voice

Spitzweg's self-taught approach was crucial in shaping his distinctive style. He wasn’t bound by academic constraints or the prevailing trends of grand historical painting; instead, he forged his own path, focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people with a gentle humor and keen observational skill. His travels throughout Europe – to Prague, Venice, Paris, London, and Belgium – were not merely sightseeing tours but immersive studies of light, color, and human character. These journeys broadened his artistic horizons, yet he remained firmly rooted in the Biedermeier aesthetic, a style characterized by its intimacy, domesticity, and focus on middle-class life. He absorbed influences from Dutch Golden Age painters like Nicolaes Berchem and Gonzales Coques, evident in his meticulous attention to detail and warm, earthy palettes. However, Spitzweg wasn’t simply imitating; he was synthesizing these influences into something uniquely his own – a blend of realism, fancy, and subtle satire that captured the spirit of his time. His early contributions to satirical magazines honed his ability to distill complex observations into concise, visually engaging narratives.

The Charm of Biedermeier: Themes and Techniques

Spitzweg’s paintings are windows into a bygone era, offering glimpses of 19th-century German life with an endearing charm. He excelled at depicting eccentric characters – the bookworm lost in his studies, the hypochondriac consumed by anxieties, the butterfly hunter absorbed in his pursuit – individuals who embody both the quirks and vulnerabilities of human nature. These weren’t caricatures meant to ridicule but rather affectionate portraits that celebrated individuality. The Poor Poet, perhaps his most iconic work, exemplifies this approach; it's a poignant depiction of solitude and intellectual passion, rendered with remarkable sensitivity. His technique is characterized by meticulous detail, delicate brushwork, and a masterful use of light and shadow to create atmosphere and mood. He wasn’t interested in dramatic narratives or grand gestures; instead, he found beauty and meaning in the mundane, elevating everyday scenes to the level of art. His paintings are not merely representations of reality but interpretations imbued with his own gentle wit and empathetic understanding.

Legacy and Enduring Appeal

Carl Spitzweg’s influence extends beyond the realm of 19th-century German painting. While often overlooked in mainstream art historical narratives, his work has resonated with generations of artists and viewers alike. His ability to capture the essence of everyday life with humor and compassion continues to captivate audiences today. The enduring popularity of paintings like The Butterfly Hunter and The Convent-School Outing testifies to their timeless appeal. Spitzweg’s legacy is also evident in the work of later artists, including Norman Rockwell, who paid homage to The Poor Poet with his own rendition of the subject. His paintings can be found in prominent museums and collections worldwide, including the Schackgalerie in Munich and the Wolfgang-gurlitt-museum in Linz, Austria, ensuring that his artistic vision continues to inspire and delight for years to come. He passed away on September 23, 1885, leaving behind a rich body of work – over 1,500 paintings and drawings – that stands as a testament to his unique talent and enduring contribution to the world of art.

Questions & Answers

How do I find works by Carl Spitzweg in a specific palette?

The By Palettes page groups Carl Spitzweg's artworks by their color palettes.

Where is Carl Spitzweg from?

Carl Spitzweg was born in Germany.

Where are Carl Spitzweg's artworks mapped by subject?

The Subject Atlas page maps Carl Spitzweg's artworks by subject.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026
Collector's quiz
  1. Carl Spitzweg initially trained to be a what before pursuing painting?

  2. Spitzweg is most closely associated with which art movement?

  3. What was a common theme in Spitzweg's paintings?

  4. Besides painting, what other artistic medium did Spitzweg contribute to early in his career?

  5. In which city was Carl Spitzweg born?

Keep exploring

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one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Carl Spitzweg

Every artwork by Carl Spitzweg in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Carl Spitzweg

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