Otto Nückel

Nückel, who had exhibited skill as an artist in his childhood, dropped out of medical school in Freiburg im Breisgau and moved to Munich where he resided for the remainder of his life.

A pioneer in lead engraving, Nückel developed an accomplished mastery of this medium, distinguished by ample use of the multiple-line tool.

He illustrated works by Thomas Mann, E. T. A. Hoffmann and others before garnering considerable attention with his own publication Schicksal.

This wordless novel highlights the life and suffering of a female protagonist as a vehicle for a dark social critique.

Much of Nückel's work favors dark comedy, profound irony and an often scathing sarcasm.