Artwork

Therbusch, Anna Dorothea: Porträt eines Bildhauers (wohl Carl Philipp Glume)

Therbusch, Anna Dorothea: Porträt eines Bildhauers (wohl Carl Philipp Glume) is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the City Museum Berlin. The work by Anna Dorothea Therbusch portrays a solitary figure seated against a dark backdrop.

About this work

Overview

The work by Anna Dorothea Therbusch portrays a solitary figure seated against a dark backdrop. Dressed in a somber coat and a white cravat, the man holds a chisel in his right hand while cradling a partially finished marble head in his left. The composition concentrates on the sitter, whose serious expression and defined features draw the viewer’s focus.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is identified as a sculptor, most likely the German artist Carl Philipp Glume, suggested by the tools and the unfinished sculpture he bears. The juxtaposition of the craftsman with his work underscores the intimate relationship between creator and creation, emphasizing the labor and concentration inherent in sculptural practice.

Technique & Style

Therbusch employs a restrained palette of deep shadows and muted tones, allowing the illuminated figure to emerge from the surrounding gloom. Fine cross‑hatching renders the textures of fabric, hair, and stone, while careful modeling gives the facial features a sculptural quality that mirrors the sitter’s profession.

History & Provenance

The portrait is an oil painting attributed to Therbusch, an 18th‑century German painter known for her portraiture. While the exact date of execution is not recorded, the work has been catalogued in museum collections as a representation of a contemporary artist, reflecting Therbusch’s interest in depicting fellow creators.