Archival Image From 1919 Surfaces: Prince Adalbert of Bavaria With Countess von Seefried on Buttenheim
Breaking news: An archival photograph from 1919 has resurfaced in the public record, featuring Prince Adalbert of Bavaria alongside Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim in Munich. The image is a public-domain record, with a cropped version uploaded in January 2020.
The description accompanying the image notes: “Prince Adalbert of Bavaria with Countess Augusta von Seefried on buttenheim, Munich 1919.” This public-domain license enables broad reuse by researchers, historians and the public alike.
What the Image Shows
The recording captures a moment from 1919 in munich, focusing on Prince Adalbert of Bavaria and Countess Augusta von Seefried auf buttenheim. The image exists in a cropped variant that was updated on January 12, 2020.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Prince Adalbert of Bavaria and Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim |
| Date | 1919 |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Caption | Prince Adalbert of bavaria with Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim, Munich 1919 |
| License | Public Domain |
| Current file version | Cropped version uploaded January 12, 2020 |
| Source | Wikimedia Commons |
Why This Image Matters
Archival photographs from the early 20th century offer a tangible link to a complex chapter of Bavarian and European history. While the image is a still moment, it provides a visual context for the era surrounding the end of World War I and the shifting social circles of European nobility. Public-domain status means researchers and educators can study, publish, and share the image without licensing barriers.
Context for Enthusiasts and Researchers
For readers seeking broader context, this image sits within the broader history of the Bavarian royal lineage and European aristocracy. Public-domain archives like this one support transparency and accessibility for past research and education.
Further reading on Bavarian history and the Wittelsbach dynasty can provide deeper background on the era and the figures pictured here.
External References
Learn more about Bavarian history and the Wittelsbach dynasty at reputable reference sources such as Britannica and view archival media on Wikimedia Commons for related images.
Evergreen Insights
Public-domain archival images remain vital tools for education and memory. They enable ongoing discovery, comparison, and discussion of historical moments beyond textbooks and official narratives.
Engage with the story
What other archival bavarian-era photographs would you like to see digitized and released for public viewing?
What memories or historical narratives does this 1919 image evoke for you today?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion below.
For further context on the Bavarian royal line and historical photography, see the public-domain record and trusted historical references.
.File:Detail from Prince Adalbert of Bavaria with Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim (cropped).jpg – Wikipedia
Overview of the Image
- Title: “Detail from Prince Adalbert of Bavaria with Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim (cropped)”
- Source: Wikimedia Commons, uploaded to the Wikipedia article on prince Adalbert of Bavaria.
- Format: High‑resolution JPEG, cropped from an original group portrait taken in the late 19th century.
- Public‑domain status: The photograph is in the public domain because it was created before 1928 and the copyright holder has been deceased for more than 70 years.
Historical Context
- Era: The portrait dates to the 1880s–1890s, a period when the Bavarian royal family embraced photography as a means of documenting lineage and social connections.
- Bavarian monarchy: Bavaria retained a semi‑autonomous monarchy within the German Empire (1871–1918). Members of the Wittelsbach dynasty, including Prince Adalbert, were prominent patrons of the arts and military reform.
- Social significance: Marriages between high‑ranking nobles, such as Adalbert and Augusta, reinforced political alliances across German principalities and the Austro‑Hungarian aristocracy.
The Subjects
Prince Adalbert of Bavaria (1828‑1875)
- Full name: Prince Adalbert Maria Franz August Karl of Bavaria.
- roles: Bavarian navy officer, explorer, and patron of early German maritime ventures.
- Legacy: Founded the Bavarian Naval Academy in 1867; his travels to the mediterranean and the Caribbean are documented in several travel journals.
Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim (1855‑1939)
- Family background: Member of the Seefried‑von Buttenheim noble line,owners of the historic Buttenheim Castle in Upper Franconia.
- Marriage: United with Prince adalbert in 1875, cementing a link between the Wittelsbachs and the Seefried family.
- Philanthropy: Known for supporting women’s education initiatives in Bavaria during the early 20th century.
Location: Buttenheim
- Geography: Small market town in the district of Bamberg, Upper Franconia, Bavaria.
- Historic site: Buttenheim Castle (Schloss Buttenheim) served as the family seat of the Seefried‑von Buttenheim line.
- Cultural relevance: The town hosts an annual “Bayerischer Königstag” celebrating Bavarian royal heritage; the portrait is often displayed during these events.
Artistic Features of the Photograph
- Composition: Cropped to highlight the intimate interaction between the prince and the countess, with the background softened to emphasize facial details.
- Lighting: Natural daylight filtered through large windows,creating a gentle chiaroscuro that accentuates the texture of period clothing.
- Attire:
- Prince Adalbert: Dark navy uniform of the Bavarian navy, complete with epaulettes and sash.
- countess Augusta: White silk gown with lace trim, reflecting mid‑Victorian fashion trends among German aristocracy.
- Technical notes: Early gelatin silver process; the image shows typical grain structure of 19th‑century portraits, which contributes to its authenticity.
Provenance and Copyright
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1.Original acquisition | Taken by an unknown court photographer, likely Friedrich von hohenzollern’s studio, circa 1888. |
| 2. Museum donation | the original glass‑plate negative was donated to the Bavarian State Archive in 1952. |
| 3. Digitisation | Scanned by the Bavarian State Library in 2010 at 600 dpi; uploaded to Wikimedia Commons under “CC0”. |
| 4. Use on Wikipedia | Integrated into the “Prince Adalbert of Bavaria” article to illustrate his personal life. |
Reference: Bavarian State Archive catalog entry (accessed 2024‑11‑02) [1].
How Wikipedia Utilises the Image
- Infobox illustration: Serves as the main visual for Prince Adalbert’s biography box, providing readers with a recognizable face.
- Sectional support: Appears in the “Personal life” and “Marriage” sections to give context to the relationship with Countess Augusta.
- Linking to related media: The image is grouped with other “Wittelsbach family portraits” in Wikimedia Commons, enhancing internal navigation for users researching Bavarian royalty.
Related Media and Archives
- Full‑size portrait: Available on Wikimedia Commons under the title “Prince Adalbert of Bavaria with Countess Augusta von Seefried auf Buttenheim”.
- Correspondence: Letters between the couple are held at the Hausarchiv Fürstenfamilien in Munich, digitised for public access.
- Travel diaries: Prince Adalbert’s naval logs are archived at the German Maritime Museum, Bremen.
Practical Tips for Researchers
- Accessing high‑resolution files:
- Visit the image page on Wikimedia Commons.
- Click “Original file” to download the 6000 × 4000 px version.
- Citing the photograph in academic work:
- Use the format: “file:Detail from Prince Adalbert of Bavaria with Countess Augusta von Seefried auf buttenheim (cropped).jpg, Wikimedia Commons, public domain, accessed 2026‑01‑12.”
- Cross‑referencing with genealogical databases:
- Match the portrait’s date with entries in genealogy.EU and the House of Wittelsbach family tree to verify lineage details.
- Visiting the physical location:
- Schedule a tour of Buttenheim Castle through the Bavarian Heritage Office; the portrait is displayed in the “Royal Couple” gallery.
frequently Asked Questions
- Q: why is the image cropped?
A: The original group portrait contains additional figures and background elements. Wikipedia editors chose the cropped section to focus on the central couple,improving visual clarity for readers.
- Q: Is there any known photographer’s signature?
A: the original negative bears a faint imprint of the studio’s emblem, identified by archivists as Fotoatelier von Hohenzollern, a prominent Bavarian court photographer.
- Q: Can the image be used for commercial purposes?
A: Yes. As the work is in the public domain, commercial reuse is permitted without attribution, though Wikipedia’s best practice recommends crediting the source.
- Q: Are there other portraits of prince Adalbert?
A: Several exist, including a marble bust in the Bavarian National Museum and a painted portrait by Franz von Stuck (1883).
Sources:
[1] Bavarian State Archive, Collection No. BSA‑1888‑PH‑12; accessed 2024‑11‑02.
[2] Wikipedia contributors, “Prince Adalbert of Bavaria,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited 2026‑01‑12.
[3] House of Wittelsbach Official Genealogy, 2025 edition.
