Die Klugheit Beleuchtet die Gemeinheit

1900

Ernst Moritz Geyger

Associated Names
Ernst Moritz Geyger
Artist, German, 1861 - 1941
This is a drawing of a hybrid creature with a human-like body, a boar's head, and a perched form similar to a monkey or a small mammal. The creature is holding a magnifying glass and has detailed fur and pronounced claws. Above the creature, there is text in German that translates to "Prudence illuminates vulgarity." The image focuses on themes of insight, wisdom, and the scrutiny of baser instincts. The drawing utilizes shading and line work to create textures and form, enhancing the surreal and contemplative nature of the image.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Virginia and Ira Jackson Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30 × 21.5 cm (11 13/16 × 8 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 35.4 × 27.7 cm (13 15/16 × 10 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2005.157.7.9

  • Volume Title

    Das Mappenwerk der Insel

Associated Artworks

See all 24 artworks
The image shows a street-level view with a large building in the center. The horizon is hidden by the building, and trees and other structures are visible behind it. The painting style is loose and impressionistic, with a muted color palette including shades of gray, blue, pink, and green. Figures in period clothing and a horse-and-carriage are depicted in the foreground. A pattern of leaf outlines adds texture to the composition.

The Boulevards (Les Boulevards)

Pierre Bonnard
1900
The image displays a vertical composition with intricate lines and shapes that are interconnected. The abstract print resembles a dense network of branches and foliage cascading down and twisting around what seems to be balcony railings. The stylized linear forms evoke the architecture of ornate iron fences and the natural chaos of tree branches entwined with them. The scene suggests a winter setting, with bare branches and a railing covered in snow or frost.

Das Mappenwerk der Insel

Anton Albers
1900
This is a photograph of a book cover. The image shows a closed book with a textured light blue cover. In the top right corner, there is a brown label with black text, featuring some decorative elements including a small emblem of a ship. The label text includes dates and names suggesting it is a German publication from around 1899 to 1900. The spine of the book is a different color, being a light beige that contrasts subtly with the cover's blue.

Das Mappenwerk der Insel

Various Artists
1900

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Virginia and Ira Jackson, Houston; gift to NGA, 2005.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q76560948

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