630 - A. KUNIKE (1777–1838), Portrait of G. E. Lessing (1729–1781), Lithograph

A. KUNIKE (1777–1838), Portrait of G. E. Lessing (1729–1781), Lithograph Adolph Friedrich Kunike (1777 Filovitz/Greifswald–1838 Vienna): Portrait of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729 Kamenz–1781 Brunswick), 19th century, lithograph Technique: Lithography on paper Inscription: Signed by the artist in the stone in the lower left with “Kunike fec.” Below the image, the sitter’s name is inscribed, along with “Lithogr. v. Dr. A. F. Kunike in Vienna” Date: 19th century Description: Half-profile portrait of the young Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729 Kamenz – 1781 Braunschweig). Considered one of the most important poets and playwrights of the Enlightenment, whose work had a lasting influence on literature. Person: Depicted: Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729 Kamenz – 1781 Brunswick) Important poet of the Enlightenment. Through his plays and theoretical writings—which are above all dedicated to the idea of tolerance—this Enlightenment philosopher charted a crucial course for the further development of theater and had a lasting impact on the public reception of literature. Lessing is the first German playwright whose works have been performed continuously in theaters to this day. Keywords: Printmaking, Lithography, Poet, Germany, Portrait, 19th century, Classicism, Portraits, Germany, Size: Paper: 50.7 cm x 35.0 cm (20 x 13.8 in), Image: 23.7 cm x 21.2 cm (9.3 x 8.3 in) Condition: Good condition. Pale foxing and faint soiling are visible in isolated areas. A fine broken edge of the split stone runs through the image. The corners of the sheet are slightly bumped.