German museum becomes global fan destination after Taylor Swift video linked to age-old painting
The painting “Ophelia” was hung inside the museum in Wiesbaden, western Germany. Photo: AFP
WIESBADEN, GERMANY:
Taylor Swift fans sang and danced to her new hit ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ this weekend at a German museum displaying a painting believed to have inspired the video for the single from her latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.
Many arrived dressed as Ophelia, wearing white gowns and flowers in their hair, while others sparkled in Swift-style outfits as they descended on the western town of Wiesbaden for a special event centered around Shakespeare’s tragic heroine.
The painting by German artist Friedrich Heyser depicts ‘Ophelia’ in a white dress floating among flowers in a river before her death. At the start of the music video, Swift recreates the scene before the painting comes to life and begins to sing.
Since the single’s release last month, the Wiesbaden Museum has seen a surge of visitors, many eager to catch a glimpse of the work now associated with the global superstar. “It’s unbelievable that this picture, which inspired Taylor Swift, is hanging here in Wiesbaden,” said Corinna Greiner, a 47-year-old office worker.
About 200 fans attended the sold-out event, which began with a lecture by one of the museum’s experts on the painting’s history. Moments later, “The Fate of Ophelia” echoed through the hall as fans danced in front of Heyser’s artwork and lined up for selfies.
“I really love art and wanted to see the connection between the ‘Ophelia’ painting and Taylor Swift in real life,” said Isabelle Bastian, a 26-year-old student. “The atmosphere is great — it’s like a mini-concert.”
Heyser is believed to have completed the work, depicting Ophelia — a Danish noblewoman who goes mad and drowns — around 1900. It is part of the Wiesbaden Museum’s collection as of 2019.
Museum director Andreas Henning said they were unaware of the painting’s inclusion in Swift’s video until social media lit up after the single was released in October. “We were very surprised,” he said. “Swifties come from Germany, France and England – it’s a big phenomenon.”
He added that the museum had not contacted Swift or her management about the connection between her success and Heizer’s painting, which has now become an unlikely cultural bridge between pop music and classical art.
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