Behind The Scenes | Ludwig Knaus | 1880

Ludwig Knaus’ Behind the Scenes (c. 1880) is a striking and deeply atmospheric depiction of life behind the curtain of a traveling circus. In stark contrast to the wonder and spectacle seen by the audience, Knaus exposes the harsh realities of the performers' private world—a scene of exhaustion, poverty, and quiet despair. A weary clown sits by a makeshift stove, cradling a doll, while two children play on the floor, their tattered costumes hinting at a lost innocence. A woman, draped in a disheveled robe, converses with a sinister-looking man, evoking a sense of unease. Scattered objects, dirty dishes, and worn-out props amplify the sense of struggle. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of light and shadow create a haunting contrast between illusion and reality, making this painting a poignant commentary on the unseen lives of entertainers.

Print:

A premium quality heavyweight (200gsm) fine art print material with a smooth, clean finish. This museum quality paper is extremely consistent and works perfectly with large, full colour graphics or illustrations. The matte finish emphasizes different highlights and tones in the source artworks; helping to create stunning works of art.

- All prints include a small 0.25 inch white border to ensure space for framing.

Our Eco Credentials Include:

• FSC approved or sustainably sourced paper
• Printed using water based inks
• Local fulfilment reduces carbon emissions
• Contains no plastic

Sizes:

16’’ x 12’’ Inches = 40.6 cm x 30.5 cm 

24" x 18" Inches = 61 cm x 45.7 cm