In the summer of 1811, Schinkel and his wife Susanne (who was five-months pregnant at the time) had their first opportunity following their wedding and the birth of their eldest daughter to embark on an extensive tour. Their travels took them via Dresden and Prague to the region of Salzkammergut. Boat Trip on the Königssee is the most magnificent of the works created by Schinkel during those travels, when he captured his impression of the places he visited in a number of drawings large enough to resemble paintings in their scale, and some 30 further studies. This drawing shows the middle portion of the lake seen from the north, looking towards St. Bartholomä in the far distance. (The majority of people on the boat are members of staff and crew). The sole guests on board are the young couple in the middle of the boat, seated on the side closest to us, and looking in the direction of travel. The woman places her hand tenderly on the shoulder of the man sitting in front of her, who turns around as he gesticulates with his right arm. A frontal view of Schinkel’s face can also be seen reflecting on the water.
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