Luise en Ferdinand plegen zelfmoord

About this artwork

Vervaardigd voor Friedrich von Schiller 'Kabale und Liebe'. Latere staat gebruikt voor: Königl. Grossbrit. Genealogischer Kalender auf das Jahr 1786. Lauenburg: J. G. Berenberg, 1785.

Art Historical Context

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, a leading Prussian engraver and illustrator of the late 18th century, created this poignant etching *Luise en Ferdinand plegen zelfmoord* in 1785. The title, translating to "Luise and Ferdinand Commit Suicide," captures the tragic climax of Friedrich Schiller's groundbreaking play *Kabale und Liebe* (Intrigue and Love), premiered in 1784. This domestic tragedy critiques class divisions and political intrigue in Enlightenment-era Germany, with the lovers' desperate act symbolizing rebellion against societal constraints. Chodowiecki's work vividly illustrates key literary moments, blending moralistic storytelling with precise draftsmanship influenced by the emerging Rococo and early Romantic sensibilities. Etched on a modest scale—111 mm high by 66 mm wide—this intimate print exemplifies Chodowiecki's mastery of the etching technique, where acid etches intricate lines into a metal plate for reproducible, detailed imagery ideal for book illustrations. Originally produced for Schiller's play, a later state appeared in the *Königl. Grossbrit. Genealogischer Kalender* (Royal Great Britain Genealogical Calendar) of 1786, published in Lauenburg by J. G. Berenberg. This repurposing highlights the versatility of prints in 18th-century Europe, bridging literature, theater, and even almanacs. As a window into Sturm und Drang emotional intensity, the artwork underscores Chodowiecki's role in popularizing German literature through accessible visuals, making high drama relatable to everyday audiences. A testament to printmaking's cultural reach!

About the Artist

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki · 1726–1801

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki (1726–1801) was a German painter and printmaker of Polish-Huguenot descent who became the most celebrated graphic artist in 18th-century Germany. Born in Danzig (now Gdańsk), he created approximately 2,000 etchings that serve as an invaluable visual record of German bourgeois life during the Enlightenment. Largely self-taught, Chodowiecki moved to Berlin in 1743 and ach...