Artwork
Das Gefängnis
Das Gefängnis is an oil painting by Henry Fuseli. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
“Das Gefängnis” is an oil painting executed in 1806 by the Swiss‑German artist Henry Fuseli. The work, whose title translates as “The Prison,” exemplifies Fuseli’s late period and is part of the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. It measures a modest size typical of his studio pieces and presents a somber, interior scene rendered in oil on canvas.
Technique & Style
Fuseli employs his characteristic dramatic chiaroscuro, using deep shadows to heighten the psychological tension of the confined space. The brushwork is precise yet expressive, allowing the figures’ gestures and facial expressions to emerge with a subtle modeling of flesh tones. The palette is restrained, dominated by earth tones and muted blues that reinforce the work’s melancholic atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in the year 1806, “Das Gefängnis” entered the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on public display. The painting’s acquisition by the museum reflects the institution’s commitment to representing Fuseli’s contribution to early‑19th‑century Swiss art. No further changes of ownership have been recorded since its entry into the museum’s collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Fuseli was a Swiss painter, draughtsman, and writer on art who spent much of his career in Britain.
