A large finished picture of the kind normally exhibited by Turner, but for some reason this particular work does not seem to have been shown at the Academy or anywhere else during his lifetime. The German subject and general composition are similar to the 'Opening of the Walhalla, 1842', exhibited in 1843 (Tate Gallery 533), there being the same rather hectic air of festivity.

In this case the costumes suggest that Turner was alluding to the short-lived court of the 'Winter Queen', Elizabeth sister of Charles I, who married Frederick Elector Palatine but who spent most of her life in exile after the failure of his attempt to hold the crown of Bohemia.

There are a number of sketches of Heidelberg, Frederick's original capital, in the 'Spires and Heidelberg' sketchbook and the 'Heidelberg up to Salzburg' sketchbook of 1840 (T.B.CCXCVII and CCXCVIII; see No.577 and also Nos. 586-8). Turner has restored the castle, which was partly destroyed by the French in 1689.