Artwork Page for Falls of the Rhine at Schaffhausen (Rheinfall von Schaffhausen)

Details / Information for Falls of the Rhine at Schaffhausen (Rheinfall von Schaffhausen)

Falls of the Rhine at Schaffhausen (Rheinfall von Schaffhausen)

1885

Adolph von Menzel

(German, 1815–1905)
Culture
Germany, 19th century
Medium
graphite, with stumping (traces of white paint, along left edge, unrelated to composition)
Support
Beige(1) laid paper
Measurements
Sheet: 12.3 x 19.5 cm (4 13/16 x 7 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1985.147
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Menzel was one of the most celebrated and prolific painters in Germany during the 19th century. A meticulous draftsman, he executed detailed drawings in preparation for each of his paintings. Thousands of the artist’s notebook studies have survived. Many of them were studies of heads, half-figures, and landscape vignettes to be incorporated into his paintings. This sheet depicting a waterfall and bridge shrouded in mist is an example of one of Menzel’s exquisite graphite studies.
A horizontally oriented graphite drawing depicts a wide waterfall in monochromatic tones. In the foreground, dense horizontal strokes create textured water. Centrally, a massive dark rock formation divides the cascading white water. To the left, another jagged rock mass emerges from the spray. In the upper right background, a stone bridge with multiple arches spans the river, set against a distant horizon of dense, shaded trees.

Falls of the Rhine at Schaffhausen (Rheinfall von Schaffhausen)

1885

Adolph von Menzel

(German, 1815–1905)
Germany, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork