Artwork
Balthasarus ab Herden Med. Doctor
Balthasarus ab Herden Med. Doctor is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Friedrich Fleischberger. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Balthasarus ab Herden Med.
About this work
Overview
Balthasarus ab Herden Med. Doctor is a portrait engraving on laid paper, attributed to Johann Friedrich Fleischberger and dated circa 1658. The work depicts a solemn, bearded man adorned with a large ruff collar and a decorative wreath, set amidst a densely detailed border.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, identified by Latin inscriptions as Balthasarus ab Herden, a Doctor of Medicine, is portrayed in a manner conveying dignity and professional stature. The elaborate composition, including the wreath with titles (*Doctor*, *Medicina*), emphasizes his academic and medical credentials.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the engraving showcases intricate line work, characteristic of 17th-century engraving techniques. The dense border, filled with scrolls, flowers, and Latin text, reflects the Baroque penchant for ornamentation and the desire to project importance through visual complexity.
History & Provenance
Created around 1658 by Johann Friedrich Fleischberger, specific details regarding the engraving's commission, original audience, or subsequent ownership history are not provided in the available information.
Context
This engraving aligns with the early modern European tradition of producing elaborate portraits to honor professionals and scholars, reflecting the era's values on learning, profession, and visual displays of status.
Legacy
While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of *Balthasarus ab Herden Med. Doctor* are not detailed in the provided sources, the piece contributes to the historical record of 17th-century engraving practices and the visual culture of professional portraiture during the Baroque period.
Artist & collection
