Place for the big Raffael

In this work, Adolph Menzel records a private anecdote from the life of Frederick August II Elector of Saxony for posterity. It shows the tense moment when Raphael’s famous “Sistine Madonna” arrived at court from Piacenza. The ruler impatiently and single-handedly pushes his throne aside, crying “Make space for the great Raphael!” This seemingly fleeting everyday moment was captured by Menzel in a painting that gives us an interesting insight into the 19th century.