Portret van Christoph Gottfried Wendler 1768

This is Johann Friedrich Bause's "Portret van Christoph Gottfried Wendler," an etching with dimensions of 216 by 150 millimeters. The portrait is stark, focusing intensely on the sitter's face, which dominates the composition through its detailed rendering and tonal contrast against the neutral background. Bause's etching employs delicate lines and subtle shading to convey Wendler's features with exacting precision. The face is softly illuminated, drawing the viewer's attention to the eyes, which appear deeply reflective. The structure of the face is emphasized through the sharp etching of wrinkles and the contours of the bone structure. The limited tonal range of the print accentuates the texture of the paper itself, adding a tactile dimension to the visual experience. The inscription at the bottom serves as both a label and a commentary, framing Wendler as a philosopher. The overall effect is a study in contrasts—between the fragility of the etching medium and the robust character of the subject—inviting viewers to consider the interplay between representation and reality.