1/6

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

### Adam von Bartsch's *1/6* (1782) Step into the refined world of 18th European printmaking with *1/6*, an etching by Adam von Bartsch, a pioneering Austrian art historian and engr (1757–1821). in 1782, this work measures a generous 308 × 267 mm, showcasing the meticulous scale typical of fine art prints from the Enlightenment era. Bartsch, best known for his monumental *Le Peintre-Graveur*—a comprehensive catalogue of old master prints—bridged scholarship and artistry, often producing etchings that reproduced or echoed Renaissance and Baroque masters. Etching, the medium here, involves drawing acid-resistant lines on a copper plate, immersing it in acid to "bite" the grooves, then inking and printing. This technique allowed Bartsch to achieve delicate lines and tonal subtlety, making prints accessible yet collectible luxury items. The enigmatic title *1/6* suggests it forms part of a numbered series, perhaps a suite of studies or reproductive plates, reflecting the period's fascination with serial artistry and connoisseurship. Adorning the sheet is a collector's mark (Lugt 2228), documented in Frits Lugt's authoritative *Les Marques de Collections de Dessins & d'Estampes*. This provenance underscores the artwork's journey through esteemed European collections, highlighting its enduring cultural value as a testament to Bartsch's legacy in print history. (198 words)