"Lonely Children: A Biedermeier-like Scene in a Poetic Alpine Valley"

(1898 Munich – 1947 same place) "Children of the Hermit" (Children of the Recluse). Original title – a Biedermeier-like scene in a poetically depicted Alpine valley, where two peasant children present a bouquet of flowers to a monk. This provocative, summery, and cheerful painting by Moralt consciously fits into the tradition of Spitzweg, considering that he studied under his father, Paul Moralt, a student of Spitzweg and Christian Morgenstern. In addition, he inherited several sketchbooks and drawings by Spitzweg. From 1903, Moralt studied at the Munich Academy under Karl Raupp and quickly achieved success at the Munich Glass Palace. Moralt was especially popular for his cheerful, Biedermeier-style motifs in the manner of Spitzweg, such as hermits, idyllic scenes with monks and girls, and carriages with resting groups of travelers in poetically idealized summer landscapes. Oil on plywood panel. Signed and titled; on the reverse, a signature stamp and inscription indicating Munich as the location. 55 cm x 38 cm. In a frame.