Original Imperial German Pre-WWI “Der alte Kurs” Framed Triptych Painting Set of Helmut von Moltke, Kaiser Wilhelm I, and Otto von Bismarck - 10 x 17”

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a tremendous triptych painting set painted around the 1890s. It includes small paintings of three of the most iconic figures in German history, Helmut von Moltke, Kaiser Wilhelm I, and Otto von Bismarck. The set is contained in a gorgeous gilded oak leaf frame measuring 10 x 17x 1¼”. There is a small scroll in the center reading Der alte Kurs, or “The Old Course”.

The frame is in fantastic condition but does have heavy cracking in spots across the frame from age, especially at the corners. The paintings are in fantastic condition for being 125+ years old. They are painted directly onto the wood and have some very minor chipping to the paint, but the detailing is tremendous. These were “copied” from existing paintings of the three men, but they are all painted during the period. 

The back of the frame shows that all three paintings are stamped on the back with C.B.&K., certainly the maker or painter. There is heavy wear to the back but it still looks fine, with D-250 written in yellow along the top. The set retains its original hanging wire which is a blue & white patterned fabric cord, possibly indicating use or make in Bavaria? Likely just a coincidence.

We dated this piece based on the final of the three paintings, which was originally painted of Bismarck in 1886. So it was painted & put together sometime from 1886-1898.

A tremendous triptych set of three of the most iconic men in German history. Comes ready for further research and display.