Adolph Menzel

Menzel, Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von

German, 1815 - 1905

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The image shows a sketch portraying two individuals in profile, facing right. The person on the left wears a hat with feathers, obscuring their face, and a necklace. The person on the right has angular features and also wears a hat. Both figures are shoulder-up in the image, set against a plain background with numbers and a scribble at the bottom.
Adolph Menzel, Heads of a Man and a Woman, 1899, graphite with stump, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict in memory of her parents, Sophie and Carl Boschwitz, 1978.87.1

Heads of a Man and a Woman

Adolph Menzel · 1899 · graphite with stump ·  Accession ID  1978.87.1

The image shows a sketch of a person from the waist up, facing slightly to the right. The person has their right arm raised, holding a cup to their mouth with their left hand. The individual has defined facial features, including expressive eyes, a mustache, and distinct cheekbones. They wear a cap, and their visible hair is short. The person is dressed in a coat or jacket, indicated by the collar and layers. The background is a plain textured surface with no additional elements.
Adolph Menzel, Studies of a Man Drinking, 1888, graphite on wove paper, Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1984.3.19

Studies of a Man Drinking

Adolph Menzel · 1888 · graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1984.3.19

This is a drawing of three sketched figures and bold calligraphy. The figures are roughly sketched in a loose style that suggests movement. They appear to be wearing old-fashioned clothing. The drawing uses light pencil strokes for details and darker strokes for outlines and shadows. Below the figures are large signatures. The figures are depicted with dynamic poses, each facing different directions.
Adolph Menzel, Three Hobos on the Artist's Signature, 1887, graphite on light brown wove paper, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1994.60.45

Three Hobos on the Artist's Signature

Adolph Menzel · 1887 · graphite on light brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  1994.60.45

The image shows multiple figures partially visible from the waist up. A woman stands in the foreground on the right, smiling and holding a small potted plant and a cylindrical container with florals. On her left, a child peeks from behind large plants, with tousled hair framing her face. On the left, another adult figure is seated, focused on intricate work. In the background, the scene is set in an interior space with walls adorned by bird-themed paintings or prints and a reflection of another person. There's a visible portion of what seems to be a window or door behind the seated figure, with complex imagery visible through it.
Adolph Menzel, Japanese Artist at Work, 1886, graphite on paperboard, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1971.61.2

Japanese Artist at Work

Adolph Menzel · 1886 · graphite on paperboard ·  Accession ID  1971.61.2

The image shows a view from a slightly elevated position looking down at a wooded area, filled with trees. The horizon is obscured by dense foliage and trees, which dominate the scene. The brushstroke technique includes fine, detailed lines and shading, creating a textured effect on the foliage and trees. The color palette is monochromatic, with blacks, whites, and grays accentuating forms and textures. Closest to us, leafy vegetation is densely packed, with a figure bending towards a narrow stream. In the distance, there is a partially visible structure resembling a fence or wall, blending into the natural surroundings.
Adolph Menzel, Landscape with a Washerwoman, c. 1890, graphite with stumping on wove paper, Gift of Helen Porter and James T. Dyke in honor of Andrew Robison, 2017.171.1

Landscape with a Washerwoman

Adolph Menzel · c. 1890 · graphite with stumping on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2017.171.1

The image shows two sculpted figures on the facade of a building. The figures are likely atlantes, which are male figures used as architectural supports. Both figures are depicted in a classical style with muscular builds. The figure on the left has its hands placed behind its head, while the figure on the right also has its arms bent and hands raised above its head. The figures are draped with cloth around their lower bodies, and there are intricate carved details such as floral garlands and swirling decorative elements. The sculpture is monochromatic, suggesting it is made of stone or plaster. Each figure is intricately carved with attention to anatomical detail. The setting suggests a baroque or classical architectural style with ornate embellishments framing the figures.
Adolph Menzel, Atlases on the Wallpavillon of the Dresden Zwinger, 1880, graphite with stumping, on wove paper, Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2007.111.126

Atlases on the Wallpavillon of the Dresden Zwinger

Adolph Menzel · 1880 · graphite with stumping, on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2007.111.126

The image shows a sketch of a woman from her waist up. She is in a slightly angled, three-quarter position with a detailed face showing a gentle expression. Her hair is styled back and her off-the-shoulder garment drapes around her arms. The woman's right hand is on her hip, and her left arm is bent with the hand behind her head. The background is plain with a neutral, light brown tone.
Adolph Menzel, Study of a Woman, c. 1875/1890, graphite with stump, Gift of Bertha Leubsdorf in memory of her parents, Sophie and Carl Boschwitz, 1979.7.1

Study of a Woman

Adolph Menzel · c. 1875/1890 · graphite with stump ·  Accession ID  1979.7.1

Adolph Menzel, The Interior of the Jacobskirche at Innsbruck, 1872, gouache on wove paper, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and gift of The Ahmanson Foundation, 2000.56.1

The Interior of the Jacobskirche at Innsbruck

Adolph Menzel · 1872 · gouache on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2000.56.1

The image shows two sections of a dark coat - the left side displays the sleeve while the right side shows the front with a collar. The coat appears crumpled with shading on the fabric. The color palette is primarily brown, black, and grey. Surrounding the coat are sketches and handwritten notes on a beige background. The central and lower part of the image is occupied by the coat.
Adolph Menzel, The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke, 1871, graphite with black and gray wash heightened with white gouache on tan wove paper, Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, Purchased as the Gift of Helen Porter and James T. Dyke, 2007.111.127

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke

Adolph Menzel · 1871 · graphite with black and gray wash heightened with white gouache on tan wove paper ·  Accession ID  2007.111.127

The image shows a full-body sketch of a man facing left. His head is turned to the left in profile. His facial features are angular with prominent cheekbones. His hair is thinning on top, longer at the sides and back. He wears a loose-fitting tunic with billowy sleeves, knee-length pants, possibly breeches, and boots. He wears shoes with buckles. He appears to be holding an object with his hands positioned near his torso. The background is a plain, light-colored surface providing contrast to the dark lines of the sketch.
Adolph Menzel, Richard Menzel Posing in Eighteenth-Century Costume, 1854, graphite with stumping, heightened with yellow, on brown laid paper, Gift of C.G. Boerner, LLC, 2005.105.2

Richard Menzel Posing in Eighteenth-Century Costume

Adolph Menzel · 1854 · graphite with stumping, heightened with yellow, on brown laid paper ·  Accession ID  2005.105.2