"I am Drunk with You" (Book VIII: Mitya, facing p.340) 1949

Editor: Here we have Fritz Eichenberg’s 1949 print, “‘I am Drunk with You’ (Book VIII: Mitya, facing p.340)." It looks like a graphite drawing, and is primarily dark, almost claustrophobic, due to the shadowy mood. I am struck by the use of chiaroscuro, the high contrast of light and dark. What is your reading of the print? Curator: Considering the materials and method of production are crucial. As a print intended for mass reproduction, it reflects a democratic impulse, making art and literature accessible beyond elite circles. Look at the subjects of Eichenberg's prints. Do they often deal with religious, social and political topics? How would that inform the reading of a piece related to Dostoevsky? Editor: Yes, that makes sense. The accessibility of the image as a print definitely changes my interpretation of the intimate scene. You are hinting at a broader commentary on the consumption of literature? Curator: Precisely! Consider how the printmaking process itself involves labor, from the artist’s hand to the printing press. Eichenberg often chose wood engraving to bring forward texture. Think about that compared to its place in a larger narrative, a literary context packaged for consumption. How does the use of dark graphite create the impression of intimacy within the context of mass media? Editor: It seems to blur the lines between the personal experience of reading and a broader shared cultural understanding of love and despair. And also highlights a different type of art consumption versus high-end art collecting. I hadn't thought of that before! Curator: Exactly. And reflecting on these considerations offers a richer appreciation of both the image and its relationship to material culture.