Portrait of A. W. von Schlegel, 1834
Graphite on paper
26 x 16 cm
Inscribed in David’s hand, A. W. von Schlegel / dessiné par David d’Angers à Bonn en [1840]
New York Public Library; S. P. Avery Collection, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs
Cat. 4
This precise likeness of the Romantic writer A. W. von Schlegel (1767–1845) was executed from life during David’s second trip to Germany in 1834. Particular care is taken with Schlegel’s profile, which would be the crucial element of the corresponding portrait medallion. According to the sculptor, his motives for making the portrait were “the brutal ingratitude of young Germans for the old man, and … the interest I have gained from reading his works on art.”