Franz Hecker, End of Work, the Watchman - Antique Etching with Aquatint

1900 - 1920

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This exquisite early 20th-century etching by German artist Franz Hecker (1870-1944) depicts an elderly gentleman reading by a window. A view across the picturesque town of Osnabrück, with its quaint timber-framed buildings, extends into the distance.

Hecker was an accomplished etcher having studied the old masters intently and just two years prior to completing this work, he’d travelled to Amsterdam to examine Rembrandt's etchings. Here, we see the influence of the great Dutchman and it’s interesting to compare this work to Rembrandt's self-portrait of 1648. The books, the papers, the open window - it’s essentially an homage.

There’s also a possible reference to ‘Ole the Tower Keeper’, a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Hecker was a traditionalist and his legacy is one of a gentler, considered world, which celebrates the beauty of nature and the value of quiet contemplation.

Franz Hecker trained at the Düsseldorf Academy and later at the Académie Julian in Paris under William-Adolphe Bouguereau. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the Seattle Art Museum. In 1944, he was awarded the Justus Möser Medal.

Signed lower right in pencil, numbered lower left, and held within a contemporary glazed frame.

Learn more about Franz Hecker in our directory.

Medium: Etching with aquatint on wove paper

Overall size: 19½” x 23½” / 49cm x 60cm

Year of creation: 1909

Condition: Artwork presents well.

Artist’s auction maximum: £11,952

Physical Dimensions

Height

60cm (23.62")

Width

49cm (19.29")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA953035

Description

This exquisite early 20th-century etching by German artist Franz Hecker (1870-1944) depicts an elderly gentleman reading by a window.

“

A view across the picturesque town of Osnabrück, with its quaint timber-framed buildings, extends into the distance.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. Franz Hecker, End Of Work, The Watchman - Antique Etching With Aquatint — fig 1. Franz Hecker, End of Work, the Watchman - Antique Etching with Aquatint

Hecker was an accomplished etcher having studied the old masters intently and just two years prior to completing this work, he’d travelled to Amsterdam to examine Rembrandt's etchings. Here, we see the influence of the great Dutchman and it’s interesting to compare this work to Rembrandt's self-portrait of 1648. The books, the papers, the open window - it’s essentially an homage.

fig 2. Franz Hecker, End Of Work, The Watchman - Antique Etching With Aquatint — fig 2. Franz Hecker, End of Work, the Watchman - Antique Etching with Aquatint

There’s also a possible reference to ‘Ole the Tower Keeper’, a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Hecker was a traditionalist and his legacy is one of a gentler, considered world, which celebrates the beauty of nature and the value of quiet contemplation.

fig 3. Franz Hecker, End Of Work, The Watchman - Antique Etching With Aquatint — fig 3. Franz Hecker, End of Work, the Watchman - Antique Etching with Aquatint

Franz Hecker trained at the Düsseldorf Academy and later at the Académie Julian in Paris under William-Adolphe Bouguereau. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the Seattle Art Museum. In 1944, he was awarded the Justus Möser Medal.