Rudolf Stang                     (1831 – 1927)

Rudolf Stang was a copper engraver and etcher; to be precise, he was a reproduction engraver, as his themes were primarily influenced by great masters of painting like Raffael, Leonardo da Vinci, Franz Hals, and van Dyck to name but a few.

He was born in Düsseldorf and attended its art academy. His tutor was Professor Josef Keller, whose most famous work was ‘Disputà’ by Raffael.

At the age of 30, Rudolf Stang had already achieved recognition as an engraver. His first great work was the reproduction of the famous Lo Sposalizio (The Betrothal) by Raffael. It was this work that brought him general acclaim; in fact, the Prussian government even awarded him the title of Professor.

Rudolf Stang achieved his height of fame with his reproduction of the ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci (il Cenacolo).

The etching of van Dyck’s ‘Rest on the Flight into Egypt’ can also be considered one of the most beautiful reproductions.

At the age of 71, Rudolf Stang moved back to Boppard. As his eyesight was no longer good enough for engraving and etching, he devoted himself entirely to painting.

A long series of oil paintings then ensued, mainly of a religious character.

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