Neureuther (Self-Portrait in the Etching Studio)

1839

Eugen Napoleon Neureuther

Associated Names
Eugen Napoleon Neureuther

Artist, German, 1806 - 1882

C. Schulgen-Bettendorf

Printer, German

This is a drawing of two figures engaged in an act of exploration in a detailed setting. The two central figures are located in an ornate, enclosed space, with one holding a large flask or container, and the other possibly observing or interacting with it. Surrounding the central scene are intricate motifs, including scrollwork, floral elements, and small mythical figures. Above the figures, a cloud-like form contains small ethereal faces. Flanking the scene are two small creatures perched on columns, each observing the central activity. Below the main tableau, reclining figures and children amidst oversized foliage add a whimsical element. The style is highly detailed, reminiscent of 19th-century illustrative work.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 26.2 x 20.4 cm (10 5/16 x 8 1/16 in.)
    sheet: 34.1 x 25.8 cm (13 7/16 x 10 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2005.20.2

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Nagler 1835-1852, no. 9


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Kunsthandlung Helmut H. Rumber, Frankfurt am Main); purchased 2005 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2009

  • The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; NGA; Smart Museum of Art, Chicago, 2009 - 2010

Bibliography

1835

  • Nagler, G.K. Neues allgemeines Kunstler-Lexikon, oder Nachrichten von dem Leben und den Werken der Maler, Bildhauer, Baumeister, Kupferstecher, Formschneider, Lithographen, Zeichner, Medailleure, Elfenbeinarbeiter, etc.. 22 vols. Munich: E.A. Fleischmann, no. 9.

1926

  • Schuberth, Max. Eugen Napoleon Neureuthers Leben und Werk: Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte der romantischen Bildkunst. PhD diss. Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, 1926: II.19.

Inscriptions

lower center on scroll: Schützen wohl magst du den Mund vor dem Seift aus ätzen Wasser / Segen den Robold in ihm schützet kein Mittel dein Bild.; lower center: Julius Buddeus excudit / Neureuther. / Gdr i.d. Kupferdruckerei d. Kongl. Kunst Academie zu Düsseldorf u. C. Schulgen Bettendorf

Wikidata ID

Q76339134

You may be interested in

Loading Results