A painting by Louis Lang, a 19th-century artist born in Bad Waldsee, Germany, is currently on display at the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The discovery was made by Dr. Joachim Daiber during his recent visit to the famous museum and reported by his father, Hans Daiber, a Bad Waldsee resident.
Louis Lang, born in 1812 in Waldsee, Württemberg (now Bad Waldsee), immigrated to New York in 1845 and lived there until his death in 1893. The artwork currently displayed at the Met is titled "Art Students" and was created around 1871. The oil on canvas painting measures approximately 68 centimeters high by 59 centimeters wide, showcasing Lang's skill in depicting academic scenes.
According to Dr. Joachim Daiber's observations, the Metropolitan Museum possesses additional works by Lang that are currently stored in the museum's archives. One such piece, "The Basket Maker," created in 1853, remains in the museum's collection but is not currently on public display. Interestingly, there appears to be a discrepancy regarding Lang's birth year, with Wikipedia listing it as 1812 while the Met's description indicates 1814.
The connection between the Daiber family and the artist runs deeper than casual interest—the Daibers are actually related to the Lang painter family, which explains Dr. Joachim Daiber's targeted search for the artwork during his New York visit. This family connection has maintained awareness of Lang's legacy across generations.
Louis Lang's artistic legacy extends beyond New York back to his birthplace. The Kornhaus Museum in Bad Waldsee also houses several works by the artist, preserving his connection to his German roots. Local art historian and restorer Brigitte Hecht-Lang has extensively researched and published about Louis Lang, contributing a detailed article titled "Der Maler Alois Louis Lang. Von Waldsee nach New York" (The Painter Alois Louis Lang. From Waldsee to New York) in a 2013 publication commemorating the museum's centennial.
Lang represents one of many German artists who found success in America during the 19th century immigration wave. The Metropolitan Museum's website features an extensive English-language essay detailing the life and work of this German-born artist who achieved recognition in the United States. His story reflects the broader narrative of European artists who contributed significantly to American cultural development during this transformative period in both nations' histories.
