Portret van Johann Rudolf Lavater

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Johann Rudolfater** is a finely crafted engraving by Swiss artist Conrad Meyer, dated 1657. Measuring 246 mm by 149 mm, this intimate portrait captures the likeness of Johann Rudolf Lavater a notable figure likely from Zurich's intellectual circles during the Baroque era. Meyer, renowned for his precise portrait engravings, exemplifies the 17th-century tradition of disseminating images of scholars, clergy, and patrons through affordable prints, making elite portraits accessible beyond the elite. Engraving as a medium was revolutionary in this period, allowing intricate details through etched lines on copper plates, inked and pressed onto paper. Meyer's technique highlights Lavater's dignified features—perhaps his thoughtful gaze and period attire—showcasing the artist's mastery of line work, shading, and texture to convey character and status. Such works were prized for their reproducibility and durability. On the verso, a stamped collector's mark (Lugt 2228) attests to its esteemed provenance, linking it to a distinguished European collection. This piece invites us to reflect on how engravings bridged art and history, preserving the faces of the past for future generations. A gem for print enthusiasts! (178 words)

About the Artist

Conrad Meyer · 1618–1689

Comment on works: Portraits; Figures; Landscapes