The robbers. / Die Räuber. / De roovers. / Les brigands 1820 - 1865

This print titled 'The Robbers' by Friedrich Gustav Schulz depicts characters from Friedrich Schiller's play of the same name. It was likely made in Germany in the late 18th or early 19th century. Schiller's play was a sensation, expressing the anxieties and aspirations of a society on the cusp of revolution. 'The Robbers' tells the story of two aristocratic brothers, one a victim of intrigue and the other a villainous schemer. It spoke directly to the brewing sense of discontent with aristocratic privilege. Schulz's print demonstrates the public role of art in shaping cultural values. The artist presents the characters through costume, posture, and expression, reinforcing the play's critique of social structures. For art historians, understanding Schulz's print requires attention to theatrical history and studies of popular culture. The print is more than just an illustration; it's a document of the play's reception and its role in shaping public opinion.