Bretzenbäck (Pretzel Baker)
1775
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1775
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Bretzenbäck (Pretzel Baker) is a 1775 ink by Johann Mössmer, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a man in old-fashioned clothes, balancing a giant sack on his head. He’s wearing a hat, a vest with buttons, and knee-length breeches. One hand holds a pretzel, and his other arm is tucked under the sack. His legs are crossed at the ankle, and he’s stepping on a small pile of crumbs. The title at the bottom calls him a "pretzel baker," which explains the sack and snack. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, making the clothes look detailed. Check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made sharp, precise prints.
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