802 - Unknown (19th century), The Robber Johann Karraseck, 1803, Etching

Unknown (19th century), The Robber Johann Karraseck, 1803, Etching Unknown (19th century): Portrait of the robber Johann Karraseck, 1803, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Stamp: Collector’s stamp on the reverse, Lugt no.: 3549. Erhard Oskar Kaps. Leipzig. 20th century, 19th century Inscription: Dated “1803” in the upper center. Dated “1803” at the top center Date: 1803 Description: On August 6, 1800, the so-called “robber chief” Johann Karraseck (1764–1809) was arrested in Seifhennersdorf near Zittau and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1803 for numerous robberies. Although he was one of many criminals of his time, a veritable cult of robbers grew up around him, portraying him as a Saxon Robin Hood. All of this belongs to the realm of legend. Theft, violence, and murder characterized the life of the robber, who likely led an entire group of criminals. Yet even contemporary sources portray him as a symbolic figure of a trend that, right up to the present day, views the thief—unjustly marginalized by society—as the embodiment of a social utopia deliberately conceived as a counter-model to prevailing conditions. It is obvious that these robber novels, intended for the edification of the educated bourgeoisie, bear no resemblance to reality. However, they serve as important vehicles for articulating a certain unease with social reality within the sanctuary of art. Our graphic work by a skilled but unidentified artist is part of this mythologization of the robber. Comparable in style to a graphic portrait of a scholar, as was frequently seen around 1800, Karraseck is not portrayed as a criminal, but as a figure to be venerated. His attributes, comparable to those of Christ, are his instruments of torture. Keywords: 19th century, Biedermeier, Portraits, Germany, Size: Paper: 23.4 cm x 16.2 cm (9.2 x 6.4 in), Image: 22.2 cm x 14.8 cm (8.7 x 5.8 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Slight staining in the margin; small box pleat in the upper left corner. Tiny crease in the lower left corner.