(Hamburg 1859 - 1935 Vienna)
Allegory of Germania and Hammonia, signed HLöffler, oil on canvas, 55 x 159 cm, framed, (AMR)

Provenance:
Private Collection, Austria.

The present lot was probably painted for the 1889 Hamburg Trade and Industry Exhibition, in which Hugo Löffler participated. Two women preside over the scene at the top of a staircase. At their feet, a few figures seem to mediate between the groups on the right and left. Germania is depicted with the imperial sword entwined with an olive branch, symbolising readiness for peace. She is crowned with oak leaves and bears the colours of the flag of the German Empire (black, white and red). To her left stands Hammonia, the personification of the city of Hamburg, with a crenellated crown. The group to the left represents the allegory for Asia, Africa and America, while the figures at the foot of the stairs could be an allegory for the oceans. The group on the right probably stands for the German people or for Europe, the equestrians carry standards with the imperial eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Hamburg. One possible interpretation would be that Hugo Löffler was trying to portray the personifications of Germania and Hamburg as both defenders of Europe and mediators between the continents thanks to their superior powers in navigation and trade.