Lithograph based on a painting by Albert Graefle (1807-1889) published by Hanfstaengl, Munich, Circa 1892
The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San José State University
In this famous depiction Albert Graefle tried to depict what it felt like to hear Beethoven perform his music. Transfixed by the wonders they hear, none of the friends looks at or touches each other. Each exists in his own world.
When it came time to color the print, the artist depicted Beethoven in a blue coat with metal buttons.