The image displays a rocky, forested area with two figures. The viewpoint appears slightly elevated, overlooking a clearing within the trees. No clear horizon line is visible, as the composition is filled with vertical elements like trees and rocks. The etching showcases detailed lines and textures defining the figures and natural elements. On the left, a hooded figure with a stick stands on a rocky path among tall trees. A second figure sits against a rock, leaning on a staff and looking contemplative. Further back, a rocky cliffside rises with vegetation. The palette is monochromatic with black ink contrasting the pale background, conveying depth and detail.
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The image displays a rocky, forested area with two figures. The viewpoint appears slightly elevated, overlooking a clearing within the trees. No clear horizon line is visible, as the composition is filled with vertical elements like trees and rocks. The etching showcases detailed lines and textures defining the figures and natural elements. On the left, a hooded figure with a stick stands on a rocky path among tall trees. A second figure sits against a rock, leaning on a staff and looking contemplative. Further back, a rocky cliffside rises with vegetation. The palette is monochromatic with black ink contrasting the pale background, conveying depth and detail.

National Gallery of Art · Print

A Monk with a Bagpipe Player

Moritz von Schwind

Date
1846/49
Medium
etching on wove paper
Dimensions
plate: 26.4 x 21.7 cm (10 3/8 x 8 9/16 in.) sheet: 32.9 x 25.1 cm (12 15/16 x 9 7/8 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2002.52.1
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Helmut H. Rumbler
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Tree
  • Austrian
  • Musical instrument
  • Rock
  • Nature
  • Man
Provenance

(Kunsthandlung Helmut H. Rumbler, Frankfurt am Main); gift to NGA, 2002.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right in graphite: 732; by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: Moritz von Schwind / II 5 / 15dl

NGA object ID 123967. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.