Alfred 1816 1859 Collection

Death as a friend, 1851. Creator: Rethel, Alfred (1816-1859)
Death as a friend, 1851. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhild Were Slain, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel
Die Nibelungen. How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhild Were Slain, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. How Rudiger?s corps is presented to Krimhild, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel
Die Nibelungen. How Rudiger?s corps is presented to Krimhild, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. How Sir Dietrichs Men Were All Slain, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel
Die Nibelungen. How Sir Dietrichs Men Were All Slain, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. How They Threw Down the Dead Out Of The Hall, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel
Die Nibelungen. How They Threw Down the Dead Out Of The Hall, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. Hagen of Troneck kills Iring, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. How the Queen Gave Orders to Burn Down the Hall, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. Hagens Shield Request, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel, Alfred (1816-1859)
Die Nibelungen. Hagens Shield Request, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. Kriemhilds Farewell, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel, Alfred (1816-1859)
Die Nibelungen. Kriemhilds Farewell, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Die Nibelungen. Etzel and Kriemhild, 1840-1841. Creator: Rethel, Alfred (1816-1859)
Die Nibelungen. Etzel and Kriemhild, 1840-1841. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet V (Death on the barricade), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet II (Riding death), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet VI (Death the Victor), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet I (Resurrection of death), 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet III, 1849. Private Collection

Also a Dance of Death, Sheet IV (Death hands the sword to the people), 1849. Private Collection

Portait of the Artists Mother, c. 1833. Artist: Rethel, Alfred (1816-1859)
Portait of the Artists Mother, c.1833. Found in the collection of the Staatliche Museen, Berlin

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Alfred Rethel (1816-1859): A Glimpse into the Mind of Death In the realm of art, there are those who dare to explore the depths of human existence and mortality. Alfred Rethel was one such visionary, whose works captured the essence of death in its various forms. Born in 1816 and departing this world in 1859, Rethel's artistic journey was a testament to his fascination with life's inevitable end. One can witness Death as a friend through Rethel's poignant piece from 1851. In this creation, he portrays death not as an enemy but as a companion guiding us towards our final destination, and is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, death can offer solace and understanding. Rethel also delved into the mythical world of Die Nibelungen, where tales of heroism and tragedy intertwine. His series from 1840-1841 captures pivotal moments within these epic legends. From Gunther and Hagen meeting their demise to Sir Dietrich's men facing their ultimate fate - each scene depicts the fragility of life amidst grandeur. Amongst these scenes lies "Hagen of Troneck kills Iring, " showcasing Rethel's mastery over capturing intense emotions on canvas. The clash between two warriors becomes an allegory for humanity's struggle against mortality itself. But it is not only through Die Nibelungen that Rethel explores mortality; his Dance of Death series reveals another facet of his artistic genius. In "Death on the barricade" (1849), we witness death amidst revolution - a stark reminder that even during times when hope seems within reach, mortality looms ever closer. Another sheet from this series titled "Riding Death" (1849) presents us with an eerie spectacle: death riding alongside us throughout our lives like an unyielding companion.