So where does our painting fall into the twisty history of all of von Wagner’s explorations on the theme of the Chariot Race? Is it actually by von Wagner? Could it be one of his early vanished versions? Might it perhaps be a study for one of the early masterworks? All evidence suggests that the painting appears to be from the 19th century, but is it possible that, despite all the wear and tear, it is a copy from the 20th century?
Excitingly and frustratingly, The Von Wagner Code may never be solved. The search for answers carries on beyond this exhibition. Each day of research reveals something new about von Wagner, about the painting, and about its incredible cultural influence on art, music, theatre, movies, and literature from the 1870s to today. This is an historic exhibition continually in the making, and we are delighted that Museum visitors can now join us in our thrilling, ongoing hunt for clues.