#Adolph von Menzel

[random-brushstrokes]

Adolph von Menzel - Old oak tree in front of a cemetery (1884-1886)

[lux-vitae]

The Studio Wall by Adolph von Menzel (1872)

[spirit-of-art]

Adolph von Menzel, Blindekuh (Blind Man's Buff), 1867

[classic-art-favourites]

The Uninvited Guest by Adolph von Menzel, 1844.

[pmamtraveller]

THE QUEST FOR REALITY; ADOLPH VON MENZEL

Adolph von Menzel (1815-1905) was a German painter and printmaker who portrayed life in 19th-century Prussia, historical events, and everyday scenes. He was largely self-taught, and his skills developed practically through lithography and drawing experience.

The Iron Rolling Mill, 1875

This painting captures the intense labour of steelworkers in a Prussian industrial mill. There is a detailed expression, both of the machinery and the workers, illustrating the social condition of working-class people during the Industrial Revolution and Menzel's turn from historical themes to contemporary issues.

The Dinner at the Ball, 1878

It is a portrayal of an elegant high-society scene, coupled with detailed portrayals of fashionable guests and luxurious surroundings, all of which bring out the Biedermeier style. It captures the 19th-century social life, proving Menzel's skill to render social dynamics and intimate moments.

Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci, 1852

It portrays the tranquil scene of Frederick II music-making in his palace. The painting showcases Frederick's dual character as a ruler and as a musician, evincing cultural sophistication and the opulence of his court. The composition is the epitome of Menzel's great admiration for Frederick and his commitment to a history of Prussia done with emotional depth and realism.

Studio Wall, 1872

Menzel painted a nighttime view of his studio wall, with illuminated plaster casts, including death masks and classical figures. This work highlights Menzel's thoughts at the time; he had been ruminating over life and death and artistic posterity. It was a touching memorial to his friend Friedrich Eggers as well as a strong demonstration of his mastery of dramatic lighting.

The Visit From Death, 1844

Death is depicted as a humble professional who is neither wrathful nor unkind. Just simply doing its job and has no ill will for those it visits upon. It even has a sense of respect, taking its clogs off before entering the home. Menzel followed up in 1845 with a hilarious painting that suggests that the arrival of Death isn’t so final after all!

The Balcony Room (1845)

Inspired by his journeys to Paris, Menzel depicts a sparsely furnished apartment full of sunlight. This painting foreshadows impressionist techniques since it's totally oriented with light and atmosphere, marking an important turn in Menzel's career away from historical themes and toward contemporary genre scenes.

[sictransitgloriamvndi]

[mrdirtybear]

'Head of a Bearded Man' as drawn by German artist Adolph von Menzel (1815-1905).

[feverishmaiden]

[psikonauti]

Adolph von Menzel (German,1815-1905)

A Bearded Man Looking Down and to the Right

Carpenter’s pencil

[escapismsworld]

Blindekuh, by German painter Adolph von Menzel (1867). In private collection.

[oldsardens]

Adolph von Menzel - Mondschein über den Dächern von Berlin

[ghw-archive]

Blindekuh, by German painter Adolph von Menzel (1867). In private collection.

[spirit-of-art]

Adolph von Menzel, Kircheninneres (Church interior), c.1855

[classic-art-favourites]

Frederick the Great Playing the Flute at Sanssouci by Adolph von Menzel, 1852.

[somethingwithmoles]

Adolph von Menzel, Living Room with Menzel's Sister, 1847, oil on paper on cardboard, 46.1 x 31.6 cm, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Neue Pinakothek München

[mrdirtybear]

'Study of a Jew' as drawn in 1882 by distinguished German artist Alfred Von Menzel (1815-1905).