Menzel (Biopic)

Props for a biopic. The movie doesn't exist, but it could. The props were created after a workshop with graphic designer Annie Atkins in Dublin.

Berlin in the 19th century: Adolph Menzel (1815–1905), a man of small stature and humble origins, becomes the most important chronicler of his time. His only close relationship with a woman is his friendship with his sister Emilie, whom he also portrays (prop 1). He repeatedly follows and paints the revolution of 1848/1849 (prop 2). He is fascinated by the democratic ideas of the Urwähler-Zeitung ("Voters' Newspaper"), and his interest in democracy remains lifelong (prop 3). Nevertheless, he moves in the highest social circles (prop 4), especially after being commissioned to paint the coronation portrait of Emperor William I (prop 5). Caught between art and politics, he becomes one of the most important observers of his era.

This work consists of a 20 x 20 cm copper plate and the corresponding print. I learnt the copper etching technique in a workshop at the Kölner Graphikwerkstatt (Cologne graphic workshop). The composition is based on an existing etching by Adolph Menzel. My idea is to create a fictitious scene: The woman depicted resembles a possible actress who could take on the role of Menzel's sister Emilie in a biopic about her. (Many thanks to the Kölner Graphikwerkstatt, especially Andreas Vietz).

This work is based on a somewhat larger oil study by Adolph Menzel, originally painted on cardboard. Here, too, the scene could function as a filmic representation in a fictional biopic about Menzel's time. It depicts the end of a torchlight procession, guarded by Prussian police, while the torches are being extinguished. Torchlight processions were one of the many forms of protest during the revolution of 1848.

This is a torn-out page from the Urwähler-Zeitung ("Voters' Newspaper"), a publication that propagates democratic ideas after the revolution of 1848. Although Adolph Menzel sympathizes with their ideas, he never officially joins them. Menzel marks an event on this page that arouses his interest—a silent expression of his political inclinations. The newspaper itself is soon banned due to its progressive content. This work reflects Menzel's quiet but attentive observer status at a time of political upheaval.

Adolph Menzel is frequently invited to balls in the highest social circles. But even in these elegant settings, he cannot refrain from drawing – his sketches often capture fleeting impressions of the scenery. A small stain of red wine is immortalized on this invitation.

Adolph Menzel makes numerous studies in gouache for his coronation painting of Emperor Wilhelm I. He invites the people depicted to his studio in order to create detailed portraits of them. This work is based on Menzel's studies but shows an actor portraying one of the subjects.