Artwork

Japanese Artist at Work

Japanese Artist at Work, by Adolph von Menzel, graphite, 1886
Japanese Artist at Work, by Adolph von Menzel, graphite, 1886

Japanese Artist at Work is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Adolph von Menzel. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Japanese Artist at Work is a 1886 graphite drawing on paperboard by Adolph von Menzel, a prominent German Realist artist.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts three people in a dimly lit room, engaged in various activities, surrounded by framed artworks and plants. The scene captures a quiet, everyday moment, with the artist's attention to the subjects' interactions and their environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the drawing showcases Menzel's observational style, characterized by loose, sketchy lines and soft lighting, with shadows subtly blending into the background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1886, the work reflects Menzel's status as a leading artist in 19th-century Germany, known for his drawings, etchings, and history paintings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Adolph von Menzel

Artist

Adolph von Menzel

Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel was a German Realist artist noted for drawings, etchings, and paintings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.