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Lot Essay
Friedrich August Moritz Retzsch (1779-1857) was a German painter and engraver who was best known for his engraved illustrations of the works of German poets and Shakespeare. Other examples of this model were sold at Christie's, New York, 17 January 2008, lot 146 ($43,000), and 18-19 January 2001, lot 307 ($28,200).
The Temperance movement, dedicated to promoting moderation or complete abstinence from intoxicating beverages, gained great popularity in the United States during the nineteenth century. The cause was advocated by churches across the country; by 1833 there were 6,000 local societies. In 1851, the state of Maine went completely dry. Other states soon followed with some form of prohibition. Graphic woodcuts and engravings of debauched drunks helped spread the moral message of the movement.
The Temperance movement, dedicated to promoting moderation or complete abstinence from intoxicating beverages, gained great popularity in the United States during the nineteenth century. The cause was advocated by churches across the country; by 1833 there were 6,000 local societies. In 1851, the state of Maine went completely dry. Other states soon followed with some form of prohibition. Graphic woodcuts and engravings of debauched drunks helped spread the moral message of the movement.