Antique Karl Wenzlick: German Morality Print, early to mid 1800s

Well, this was a surprise. It seems that in the 19th Century German, people would create prints that dealt with the prevailing philosophical and social debates of their time. In this case, a student of the 10th class, Karl Wenzlick (distant relative on our grandmother’s side) designed this piece, which is placed in its time due to the use of the Fraktur script. The ornate calligraphy and symbolic imagery of a bird rising were characteristic of the time and material.
 
Central to the subject matter is the word EIGENUTZ which translates as self-interest or selfishness. We believe the lines of text encircling the central word discuss nobility, blame for vices, and the need to act to honor those we burden. The full translation is difficult to comprehend. Google helped explain that ‘Der Edelmuth ist durch seine Benennung schon erklaert’ means ‘Nobility is already explained by its name’ and ‘Lob zu  er werben dem wir alle unsere Untugenden aufburden’ means ‘praise to whom we burden all our vices’. 
 
The design is signed at the bottom Karl Wenzlick, pupil of the 10th class. This is clearly an old family heirloom, the piece having been taped back together several times. 
 
We have added it here only as a curiosity.
 
H 8 1/2” x L 13 3/8”
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.