St. Elisabeth as a Child 1881

Gabriel von Max painted “St. Elisabeth as a Child” sometime between 1840 and 1915. It presents a young girl adorned in regal attire, holding a small bouquet of flowers. Max was working during a time of burgeoning interest in historical and religious subjects, particularly in Germany. The painting invokes a sense of nostalgia, calling back to the medieval period. This fascination was partly a reaction against the rapid industrialization and social changes of the 19th century. The opulence of her clothing and jewelry suggests an elite status, reflecting the hierarchical structure of society at the time. Was this painting commissioned, and if so, by whom? Was it intended for a private collection or public display, and how would that affect its interpretation? These are just some of the questions historians would ask, examining records and other historical materials to better understand the painting’s complex social and institutional history.