Portret van Christoph Balthasar Gugel

About this artwork

height 135 mm x width 85 mm

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Christoph Balth Gugel** by Andreas Paul Multz (1653–1695) offers a glimpse into 17th-century portraiture its intimate scale and focus on an individual sitter. This delicate work captures Christoph Balthasar Gug, likely a notable figure of the era, rendered with the precision typical of period draftsmen. Multz, active during the late Baroque period, specialized in such personal commissions, emphasizing character and status in a compact format. Executed on paper and measuring a modest 135 mm in height by 85 mm in width, the portrait exemplifies the artistry of miniature works popular among Europe's elite. Paper as a medium allowed for fine lines and subtle shading, whether through drawing, engraving, or etching—techniques that demanded exceptional control to convey likeness and texture in such a small space. These portable pieces were often treasured keepsakes or inserts for collectors' albums. In the context of 17th-century Europe, this artwork reflects the growing fascination with individualized portraiture, bridging personal memory and cultural display. Its survival highlights the enduring appeal of Multz's technical skill, inviting visitors to appreciate the quiet elegance of historical intimacy.