Hoofdpersonage Brand uit gelijknamig toneelstuk van Hendrik Ibsen wordt door bewoners gestenigd en uit dorp gejaagd

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

In 1895, Belgian artist Maurice Dumont created this striking lithography, *Hoofdpersonage Brand uit gelijamig toneelstuk Hendrik Ibsen wordt door bewoners gestenigd en uit dorp gejaagd* (The main character Brand from Henrik Ibsen's eponym play is stoned and from the village by its inhabitants). Measuring a compact 131 × 234 mm, it captures a climactic moment from Ibs intense 1866 drama *Brand*, where the uncompromising priest Brand is rejected by his community for his rigid idealism. Produced during the fin-de-siècle era, when Ibsen's works were gaining international acclaim for challenging societal norms, this print likely served as a theatrical illustration or poster, reflecting the play's popularity in European stages. Dumont employs lithography—a revolutionary 19th-century technique where grease-based drawings on stone allow for nuanced tones and fine details—to convey the mob's fury and Brand's isolation. The medium's affordability made such dramatic scenes accessible, bridging high art with popular culture. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2760 (associated with esteemed print enthusiasts), it hints at its value in connoisseur circles. This artwork underscores Ibsen's enduring influence on modern theater, symbolizing the clash between individual conviction and collective hypocrisy—a theme that resonated deeply in an age of social upheaval. A poignant glimpse into late 19th-century visual storytelling!