Artwork
Der mit seinem Fuhrer rastende Kunstler
Der mit seinem Fuhrer rastende Kunstler is a print by Johann Christoph Erhard. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Der mit seinem Fuhrer rastende Kunstler is an early 19th‑century print executed by Johann Christoph Erhard around 1818. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of German printmaking from the post‑Napoleonic period.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts two men taking a brief repose beside a river. One figure sits on a rock, supported by a walking stick and gesturing toward an unseen point, while his companion reclines on the grass with his hands behind his head. A basket and a rolled blanket are tucked among the foliage, suggesting a pause during a journey or a leisurely outing.
Technique & Style
Erhard employed fine cross‑hatching to render the surrounding trees, bushes, and water, creating a textured surface that emphasizes depth and atmosphere. The line work is dense and varied, giving the scene a tactile quality that balances the calm river with the rugged terrain.
History & Provenance
The print was produced circa 1818, a time when German artists were exploring narrative scenes in etching. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, joining a broader collection of European graphic works.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Christoph Erhard (1795–1822) was a German artist, born in Nuremberg.
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