The Woman with the Spider’s Web between Bare Trunks (Melancholy)

Engraver: Christian Friedrich, German, 1770–1843
After: Caspar David Friedrich, German, 1774–1840
Date: c.1801–03
Material: Woodcut
made in: Germany, Europe
Classification: Prints
Collection: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: plate: 6 3/4 x 4 3/4 in. (17.2 x 12.1 cm)
sheet: 9 1/16 x 7 1/2 in. (23 x 19.1 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Shop Fund and funds given by Mrs. Elmer G. Kiefer, Mr. Jack Ansehl, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Williams Jr., the Kate Stamper Wilhite Charitable Foundation, BSI Constructors Inc., Dr. and Mrs. William H. Danforth, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Knight, The Pershing Charitable Trust, The Labarque Trust, and donors to the Art Enrichment Fund
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 43:1995

NOTES

A woman gazes forlornly into the distance as she sits amid flowers, weeds, and barren trees. Above her head, a fly is about to be ensnared in a spider’s web. The mournful imagery of this print, also called "Melancholy," suggests the fleeting nature of life. The woman’s surroundings have nearly engulfed her, deepening the sense of overwhelming sorrow, while also conveying the immensity of nature. This image was designed by the painter Caspar David Friedrich and cut into a wood block by his brother Christian, a furniture maker.

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