Portrait of a Man in an Armchair, from Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands

Art Historical Context

In the Prints and Drawings department of the Art Institute of Chicago sits *Portrait of a Man in an Armchair*, a meticulous 1826 tracing by Christian Josi. Rendered in red and black chalk on oiled paper (40.6 × 32 cm), this work captures a poised male figure seated comfortably, evoking the intimate portraiture of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters. Josi, a skilled engraver and dealer, created it as part of his *Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands*—a series celebrating artists like Rembrandt and Rubens through faithful reproductions. What makes this piece fascinating is its technical ingenuity: the sheet is partially pricked for transfer, a time-honored method where tiny holes along outlines allow pouncing with chalk dust to replicate the design onto another surface, ideal for printmaking. Oiled paper enhanced translucency, aiding precise tracings. This reflects 19th-century revival of Northern Renaissance techniques amid growing scholarly interest in old master drawings. Josi's imitation not only preserves stylistic nuances—like subtle shading and expressive posture—but also bridges eras, inviting us to appreciate how 19th-century artists honored their predecessors. A window into the craft of copying, it highlights the enduring allure of Flemish-Dutch portraiture.