Ancient Teutons 1782

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki's 1782 etching, *Ancient Teutons*, depicts a scene of familial love and loyalty. A father, adorned in furs and armor, holds his young son aloft while addressing a younger boy, likely the son of a friend. The inscription, "Boy! Brother of my son! When my son becomes worthy of you, how I will love you!" suggests a promise of future friendship between the children. The artwork's composition, featuring a group of figures gathered around a central event, recalls a tradition of narrative engravings popular in the 18th century. *Ancient Teutons* exemplifies Chodowiecki's skill in capturing emotional moments through expressive figures and evocative details.