Ferdinand De Braekeleer

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This etching by Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels portrays the Belgian painter Ferdinand De Braekeleer, capturing the likeness of a prominent 19th-century artist known for his genre scenes. Created during Michiels’ lifetime (1831–1890), the work reflects the era’s interest in documenting fellow creatives through printmaking, a practice that helped circulate images of notable figures within artistic and collecting circles across Europe. Etching, the chosen medium, involves incising a design onto a metal plate using acid, allowing for fine lines and tonal depth that translate well to intimate portraits. Measuring 220 by 146 millimeters, this modest scale suggests the piece was intended for personal study or inclusion in print albums rather than large-scale display. The presence of the collector’s stamp “Lugt 2228” on the verso further indicates its journey through distinguished collections, highlighting how such works often served as valuable records for art historians and enthusiasts. As a reproductive or commemorative print, this etching underscores the cultural importance of preserving the images of influential artists like De Braekeleer, whose contributions shaped Belgian romanticism and everyday-life painting. It offers viewers a tangible connection to the vibrant artistic networks of the period.