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Kauft Tinter (Ink Seller)

Carl Schütz

1775

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Kauft Tinter (Ink Seller) is a 1775 ink by Carl Schütz, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Carl Schütz
When & what style?: 1775 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a man walking away from you, carrying a bag slung over his shoulder. He’s dressed in a long coat and knee-length breeches, with stockings and shoes. Behind him, a woman leans out a window, looking down at him. The building has rough stone walls and a small semicircular window above the door. The text below reads *"Kauft Tinten!"*—German for "Buy ink!"—hinting the man might be selling supplies. The artist used fine lines to show light and shadow, giving the scene a sharp, detailed look. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like Schütz created these crisp, layered images.