Artwork
Der Watzmann bei Salzburg (The Watzmann near Salzburg)

Der Watzmann bei Salzburg (The Watzmann near Salzburg) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Ludwig Richter. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Der Watzmann bei Salzburg (The Watzmann near Salzburg) is an 1830 etching on wove paper by Ludwig Richter, a notable German painter and etcher. This black-and-white print captures a serene mountain landscape with figurative elements, characteristic of Richter's style during the Romanticism and Biedermeier periods.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a tranquil scene near Salzburg, featuring the prominent Watzmann mountain. Central elements include a large tree with two figures (one with an umbrella) and a distant small building, conveying a sense of everyday life within a natural, regional setting.
Technique & Style
Richter employed fine etching lines to achieve detailed textures, evident in the tree's bark and the folds of the figures' clothing. The lightly sketched clouds in the sky contrast with the sharper, more defined mountain range, showcasing Richter's mastery of etching for nuanced visual effects.
History & Provenance
Created in 1830, this work reflects Richter's contribution to mid-19th-century German illustration, blending Romantic and Biedermeier influences. While specific provenance details are not provided, the piece is characteristic of Richter's regional and landscape-focused oeuvre.
Context
Der Watzmann bei Salzburg situates itself within the broader European Romantic movement, emphasizing natural beauty and quotidian life. Richter's involvement with both painting and etching positioned him as a versatile artist of his time, appealing to a growing interest in accessible, detailed prints.
Legacy
As part of Richter's body of work, Der Watzmann bei Salzburg contributes to the enduring appreciation of 19th-century German graphic arts. The etching's themes and techniques continue to interest those studying Romantic-era aesthetics and the evolution of etching as a medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adrian Ludwig Richter (September 28, 1803 – June 19, 1884) was a German painter and etcher, who was strongly influenced by Erhard and Chodowiecki.















