De knecht vindt de stervende Werther 1787

This etching by Jan Evert Grave depicts a scene from the novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The artwork, titled "De knecht vindt de stervende Werther," shows the moment when Werther's servant discovers him dying by suicide. The image is a powerful illustration of the Romantic era's fascination with melancholic themes and the tragic consequences of unrequited love. The use of light and shadow creates a dramatic atmosphere, highlighting Werther's lifeless form and the servant's shocked expression. The small size of the etching suggests that it was likely intended for personal viewing, making the emotional impact even more intimate. The work reflects Grave's skill in capturing the essence of a literary narrative through visual imagery.