Johannes Schäfer (1822–1885?)
Portrait of the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) at age 71, one year before his death
March 1859
albumen photograph
16,2 × 12,8 cm
mounted to original board (slightly toned), with photographer's blindstamp in lower edge
Oxidation mirroring in dark areas, some retouched spots, slightly faded, otherwise in good condition.
"This portrait is possibly referred to in a letter by Gustav Brecht, written in 1859 to Schopenhauer, stating: 'Der Photograph Schaefer wird sich nun zu näherer Rücksprache alsbald bei Ihnen melden. Ich habe mir alles Retouchiren im Gesicht verbeten, dagegen Hn Sch. ersucht, Ihnen das Bild nach Vollendung vorzulegen [The photographer Schaefer will soon contact you for closer consultation. I have forbidden any retouching in your face, but have asked Mr. Sch. to present the picture to you after completion]' Since the invention of photography, Schopenhauer had been interested in its further development and new discoveries. However, he preferred the older daguerreotype to the newer photographs on paper; he believed he looked much older on paper photographs." B
