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The finest quality print from a series of female characters of the German poet Goethe, represented here by one of the greatest 19th Century German painters, William von Kaulbach
(see more, below).
Print Specifics:
- Type of print: Intaglio, steel line & stipple engraving
- Year of printing: not indicated in the print. Actual: 1867
- Publisher: Theo Stroeffer, 816 Broadway; Munich, Frederick Druckmann.
- Condition: 1 (1. Excellent - 2. Very good - 3. Good - 4. Fair).
- Dimensions: 12 x 16.5
inches (30 x 42 cm), including blank margins around the image.
- Paper weight: 2 (1. Thick - 2. Heavier - 3. Medium heavy - 4. Slightly heavier - 5. Thin)
- Reverse side: Blank
- Note: 1. Green 'border' around the
print in the photo is a contrasting background on which the print was
photographed. 2. The detail of the print is much sharper than the photo of the print.
Narrative:
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Kaulbach has chosen the most tragical and symbolical moment in
Ottilie's existence. She has taken Eduard's child with her in the
boat on the lake, and, while the infant slept, has allowed the
summer afternoon to glide by, absorbed in her book. From this dreamy
delight she is roused by the appearance of Eduard; and the sun sinks in
the west as the lovers snatch a first and final kiss. He departs,
and she steps into the boat once more unconscious of her beating
heart, her trembling limbs, and dazed senses. She seizes the oar and
pushes off. On her left arm rests the child, in her hand the book; in
her right hand the oar. She stumbles, the boat lurches, the oar
slips from her grasp, and in her endeavour to regain it, child
and book fall into the lake. She clutches the childs
frocks, and tries to rescue it; but her efforts fail for some
minutes, and when the child is at length drawn from the water its
eyes are closed. With this moment her full consciousness returns and
with it the full horror of the situation. The boat has drifted from
the shore, the oar is floating far away, not a soul is to be seen who
could help her. She is done on the water, with the lifeless child. The
situation is one of deep pathos; as all who have read Die
Wahlverwandtschaften will remember. It is an event which not only
places in insuperable barrier between Ottilie and Eduard but
overshadows her life For ever.
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Any print purchased from me may be returned for any (or no) reason for a full refund including all postage.
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