Artwork

Der Tod als Erwürger (Death as a Strangler)

Der Tod als Erwürger (Death as a Strangler), by Alfred Rethel, ink, 1851
Der Tod als Erwürger (Death as a Strangler), by Alfred Rethel, ink, 1851

Der Tod als Erwürger (Death as a Strangler) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Alfred Rethel. It dates from 1851 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Der Tod als Erwürger (Death as a Strangler) is a wood engraving created by Alfred Rethel in 1851, depicting a somber scene of mortality.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving shows Death, personified as a hooded, scythe-wielding figure, amidst a group of people in various states of death or demise within a dimly lit, stone-walled room.

Technique & Style

Rethel employed cross-hatching to achieve depth and texture, contributing to the overall mournful atmosphere and demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Created in 1851, this is the first edition of the engraving. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

While specific contextual events are not detailed, the work reflects 19th-century European explorations of mortality through art.

Legacy

The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent art is not specified in the available information.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alfred Rethel

Artist

Alfred Rethel

Alfred Rethel (1816–1859) was a German artist, born in Aachen.

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