Who painted The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke?

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke was painted by Adolph Menzel in 1871.

Where can I see The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke?

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke?

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke?

Museum-quality prints of The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke

Adolph Menzel , 1871

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Adolph Menzel. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:signed at upper left in black ink: Ad. Menzel.; many graphite inscriptions throughout the page, starting by the button drawn below the signature (vertically): 1"; below that and to the right (vertically, between two buttons): 6"; at upper center above the detail of a buttonhole: 3 3/4", and to the right: 4 solche auf jeder/Seite; farther to the right (vertically, by collar detail): hinten 4' 1/2"; at left center (vertically): Aermel 25" lang; at center (vertically): 3' 7 3/4"; along right margin (vertically)Reitschliz 16 1/2"; at lower left: Kragen; and below that: 20"; under that and across the bottom: Gen: Moltke's Gummi-Mantel aus d. Kriege in/Frankreich 1870-71.(Civil-Mantel, von seinem Adjutanten für ihn gekauft in/St. Avold.)

About this work

Overview

The Waterproof Coat of General Moltke is a 1871 drawing by Adolph von Menzel, a prominent German Realist artist. Created with a mix of media on tan wove paper, it showcases Menzel's skill in detailed, observational work.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a worn, heavy coat and rumpled trousers, likely those of General Helmuth von Moltke. Menzel's notes in the margins, including a reference to a 'waterproof coat', suggest the work is a study of the general's attire.

Technique & Style

Menzel used a combination of graphite, black and gray wash, and white gouache to achieve a range of tonal values and textures. The gouache, an opaque water-based paint, allowed for highlights and detailed rendering of the fabric's stiffness and folds.

Context

The drawing reflects Menzel's interest in everyday subjects and his ability to capture the essence of his sitters' attire. As a Realist artist, Menzel focused on accurate representation, often incorporating notes and sketches into his work.