Portret van Thaddaeus a Sancto Adamo Dereser

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 185 mm x breedte 102 mm (binnen de plaatrand afgesneden)

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Thaddaeus Sancto Adamo Der** is a refined portrait by German engraver Friedrich Wilhelm Bol, dated 1802. Crafted on paper with modest dimensions of 185 mm in height by 102 mm in width, this intimate work captures the subject's dignified presence. The sheet has been precisely trimmed within the plate margin—a telltale sign of printmaking techniques like engraving, which allowed for detailed reproductions affordable to collectors, scholars, and the devout during the early 19th. Executed at the turn of the Romantic era, the portrait reflects the enduring tradition of meticulous portraiture in Northern European art, where engravers like Bollinger excelled in conveying character through fine lines and subtle shading. The subject's name, evoking a religious or scholarly figure ("Thaddaeus of Saint Adam Dereser"), hints at its possible ties to ecclesiastical circles amid Europe's shifting religious landscapes post-Enlightenment. This small-scale gem invites close contemplation, highlighting the artistry of paper as a versatile medium for disseminating likenesses. Trimmed for framing or albums, it embodies the era's blend of precision craftsmanship and personal devotion, offering visitors a window into intimate portrait traditions.