Artwork
Self-Portrait, Drawing
Self-Portrait, Drawing is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Georg Friedrich Schmidt. It dates from 1752 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Self-Portrait, Drawing is an etching and engraving on laid paper created by Georg Friedrich Schmidt in 1752. This black-and-white print showcases the artist's proficiency in printmaking techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts Schmidt in the act of drawing, highlighting his dedication to the graphic arts. The self-portrait captures the artist with short hair, a wide-brimmed hat, and a ruffled collar, hands resting on their chest.
Technique & Style
Schmidt employed sharp, detailed strokes to render fabric folds and facial features, characteristic of 18th-century Rococo-style prints. The textured, woven appearance of the paper complements the precise lines achieved through etching and engraving techniques.
History & Provenance
Created in 1752, this piece reflects Schmidt's dual expertise in printmaking and pastel painting during the mid-18th century. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
This work exemplifies the Rococo emphasis on intricate detail and everyday subjects. Schmidt's use of etching and engraving aligns with the period's printmaking practices, where acid and metal plates were used to achieve precise lines.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Self-Portrait, Drawing* are not provided, it contributes to the broader understanding of Schmidt's contribution to 18th-century German printmaking and the Rococo style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Georg Friedrich Schmidt was a German engraver, etcher and pastel painter, in the Rococo style.
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