Moritz Retzsch (1779–1857), After - Gretchen im Kerker

Moritz Retzsch (1779–1857), attributed – “Gretchen in Prison”

Remarkable drawing from the 19th century with an impressive depiction of Gretchen in prison from Goethe’s “Faust.”

The young woman is shown kneeling and praying in a gloomy, sacral-appearing prison chamber. Next to her are a cross and a skull on a stone pedestal. Monumental columns, vaults, and a small barred window enhance the dramatic yet contemplative effect of the scene.

The rendering is entirely done by hand, with pen and black ink on paper. The fine line work and the carefully modeled light and shadow give the small piece an unusual spatial depth.

Of particular interest is the historical inscription on the back of the original drawing sheet. There are, among other things, the following details:

“Friedr. Aug. Moritz Retzsch”
“1779–1857”
“Dresden”
“May 1966”

Separately, there is the designation “M. Retzsch” along with other older handwritten notes and numbers, including “Gretchen,” “195” and “619.”

The back inscriptions provide an interesting historical hint at an earlier engagement with a possible attribution to Moritz Retzsch. There is currently no scientific or catalog raisonné confirmation of the attribution.

Retzsch is especially known for his illustrations to Goethe’s “Faust.” The present, unusually intimate depiction of Gretchen, alone and praying in the prison, is therefore iconographically particularly interesting.

An art expert independently identified the depicted scene with the greatest probability as “Gretchen in Prison,” but was unable to assign the drawing with certainty to a specific artist based on the photographs available.

Dimensions of the drawing: ca. 20.5 × 15.5 cm
Dimensions with frame: ca. 26.5 × 21 cm

The drawing is housed in a decorative, gilded historic frame.

An interesting collectible for lovers of German Romanticism, Goethe iconography, and especially the works and milieu of Moritz Retzsch.