Hermann Anton Stilke, 1831 Joan of Arc Antique Portrait Oil Painting, Framed

An exceptionally refined portrait of Joan of Arc in prayer by Hermann Anton Stilke (1803–1860), painted in oil on canvas and presented in its original gilt frame. Signed and dated 1831 at the lower right, this intimate nineteenth-century German painting combines accomplished craftsmanship, devotional intensity and the additional historical interest of a handwritten note recording a gift from a Count of Solms.

Joan appears in finely articulated armour, her hands joined in prayer and her gaze raised towards the heavens. The delicate modelling of her face contrasts beautifully with the reflective steel, intricate gold ornament and richly coloured red headdress. Carefully described curls frame her expression, while distant architecture and drifting smoke introduce a restrained suggestion of conflict beyond the figure.

The quality is particularly evident in the transitions between light and shadow across the complexion, the slender fingers and the convincing treatment of contrasting materials. Cool blue and silvery grey tones balance the warmer flesh, auburn hair and gilded details. Although modest in size, the painting has a commanding presence, suited to close appreciation in a private collection, study or carefully composed interior.

Hermann Anton Stilke was a German history painter associated with the Düsseldorf Romantic tradition. He trained with Karl Wilhelm Kolbe and Peter von Cornelius and subsequently studied under Wilhelm von Schadow. His work frequently explored medieval history, chivalry and religious subjects. His standing is reflected in the commission he received from King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia in 1842 to decorate the Knights’ Hall at Stolzenfels Castle, completed by 1846.

The painting’s provenance is supported by a handwritten French paper note, identified by the gallery as having been attached to its reverse. Its wording records a gift from “Monsieur le comte … Solms,” in remembrance of years of friendship spent together in Strasbourg. The count’s first name appears to read “Max.” The signature beneath the inscription has not been securely identified.

In substance, the note translates as: “Gift from Monsieur the Count [Max?] Solms, in memory of the years of friendship spent together in Strasbourg.”

This inscription provides a personal record of the painting’s passage as a gift. The date of that gift, the recipient’s identity and the precise Solms family branch remain to be established.

The House of Solms belongs to Germany’s historic aristocracy, with a documented history reaching back to 1129, when Marquard von Solms appears as a witness to the foundation of Schiffenberg monastery. The family developed several important territorial branches, including those associated with Braunfels, Lich and Laubach. The Braunfels branch attained princely rank in 1742. Its history encompasses territorial government, military service and connections with other European ruling houses.

The family also has a significant place in European artistic patronage. Amalia of Solms-Braunfels (1602–1675), wife of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, commissioned the celebrated painted decoration of the Oranjezaal at Huis ten Bosch in his memory. This illustrates the wider family’s cultural importance; it does not establish an ownership connection between this painting and Amalia or the Dutch royal collection.

A possible identification of the donor is Count Max zu Solms-Sonnenwalde-Rösa (1846–1907). Karlsruhe’s municipal historical records describe him as a Prussian officer and art collector who served in Strasbourg from 1889 before moving to Metz two years later. He and his wife, Countess Marie, subsequently settled in Karlsruhe and acquired Haus Solms in 1902, furnishing it with paintings, decorative arts and family portraits. The correspondence between his name, collecting interests and Strasbourg residence makes him a plausible candidate. 

The original gilt frame complements the painting’s finely finished surface and historical character. Its architectural mouldings and restrained ornament provide an elegant setting for the figure.

Oil on canvas.
Signed and dated lower right: H. Stilke, 1831.
Canvas: 45 cm high × 41 cm wide / 17.72 × 16.14 inches.
Original frame: 60 cm high × 56 cm wide / 23.62 × 22.05 inches.
Sold with the original frame.

Carefully packed shipping via DHL Express, insured for the full purchase value

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