Artwork

Richter, Wilhelm

Richter, Wilhelm, by Marie (czynna we Wrocławiu ok. 1897-1933), fot. Müller, 1911
Richter, Wilhelm, by Marie (czynna we Wrocławiu ok. 1897-1933), fot. Müller, 1911

Richter, Wilhelm is a photography by Marie (czynna we Wrocławiu ok. 1897-1933), fot. Müller. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Library of the Wroclaw University.

About this work

To learn more about the photographer, look up the artist: Müller, Marie (czynna we Wrocławiu ok.

This photo shows a man sitting in a chair, turned slightly to the left.
He's in front of a wall with a goat and part of another picture.
The man is Wilhelm Richter, a teacher and city councilor.

The photo is interesting because it shows Richter in a casual pose, with a unique background.

To learn more about the photographer, look up the artist: Müller, Marie (czynna we Wrocławiu ok. 1897-1933), fot.

Overview

Wilhelm Richter, a multifaceted figure serving as a teacher, general government adviser, and Wrocław city councilor (1910-1912), is depicted in a photographic portrait. The image, captured in a half-figure pose, shows Richter seated in a chair, turned three-quarters to the left.

Subject & Meaning

Richter is portrayed in a casual, relaxed manner, contrasting with the typical formal poses of official portraits. The unusual background, featuring a goat, a wall, and a fragment of another painting, adds a layer of intrigue to the subject's personality and the photographer's creative choice.

Technique & Style

The photograph is an iron and silver print on paper (15.0x10.2 cm), mounted on a company carton (16.4x10.6 cm). It bears a facsimile autograph 'Marie Müller' in black at the bottom, surrounded by a decorative garland at the top and sides.

History & Provenance

The photograph is attributed to Marie Müller, a photographer active in Wrocław circa 1897-1933. It is dated 'Ende Juli 1911' (Late July 1911) on the back of the cardboard. The decorative frame includes handwritten details of Richter's title and tenure.

Context

Created during Richter's city council tenure, the photograph reflects the intersection of his public and private life. The casual setting may suggest a personal commission, offering a glimpse into the subject's life beyond official duties.

Legacy

While specific impact or widespread recognition of this photograph is not detailed, it remains a unique document of Wilhelm Richter's life and a sample of Marie Müller's photographic work during her active period in Wrocław.

Artist & collection

Artist

Marie (czynna we Wrocławiu ok. 1897-1933), fot. Müller

Marie Müller worked in photography around Wrocław in the early 1900s. She made photographs like Wilhelm Richter from 1911. This was the time when photography shifted from stiff studio portraits to softer, more natural…