Ludwig Dittweiler (1844-91) was briefly a pupil of Johann Wilhelm Schirmer at the Academy in Karlsruhe. He worked as a scene painter at the court theatre in that city. Influenced by the Baden painter Ferdinand Keller, he created elaborate stage sets for productions such as Carmen, Der Freischütz, Der Ring des Nibelungen and Tannhäuser. For a production of Sleeping Beauty he depicted a view of the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle. He continued to develop his skill in painting architectural views during travels in the Tyrol, northern Italy, Rome and Venice.

A bearded Cistercian monk (identified by his black and white habit) stands facing a sunlit cloister with his back to the entrance of the church or monastery; a creeping plant has established itself upon the wall, beyond which a lawn and a house are partly visible.

Signed: Ludwig Dittweiler Munchen 87