Portret van Zopf

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Zopf** is a delicate engraving by Johanna Dorothea Sysang, a lesser-known female artist active in the 18th century (1739–1791). just 177 mm high by 103 mm wide, this intimate portrait captures the refined elegance of its subject, "Zopf," likely a of note in European society during the Rococo era. Sysang's work exemplifies the's fascination with detailed likenesses, where portraits served not only as personal mementos but also markers of social status and identity. As an engraving—a meticulous intaglio technique involving incised metal plates inked and pressed onto paper—this piece highlights the precision and reproducibility that made prints popular among collectors and the emerging middle class. The fine lines and textures would have allowed for widespread distribution, democratizing access to portraiture beyond oil paintings. Its small scale suggests it was designed for albums or private study, a common practice in Enlightenment-era cabinets of curiosity. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228, the print boasts a distinguished provenance, linking it to esteemed 18th- or 19th-century connoisseurs. This artifact offers a window into women's contributions to printmaking, a field where Sysang's technical skill shines, preserving a slice of 18th-century life with enduring clarity and charm.