Portret van Johann Jakob Hottinger 1759 - 1815

Heinrich Pfenninger created this portrait of Johann Jakob Hottinger using etching techniques, resulting in a work that plays with light and shadow. The composition is dominated by the oval frame that encloses Hottinger’s face, drawing our eye to the subject. The contrast between the dark background of the oval and the lighter tones of Hottinger’s face and ruff creates a strong visual hierarchy, emphasizing his presence. The texture of the etching is particularly evident in the rendering of Hottinger’s hair and clothing, where fine lines create a sense of depth and volume. Pfenninger’s use of line isn’t merely descriptive, it’s also expressive. It invites us to consider the relationship between representation and abstraction. The etching challenges fixed meanings by using a semiotic system where each line and shadow contributes to a complex representation of character and status. Ultimately, the formal qualities of the etching—its composition, the use of contrast, and the texture of the lines—serve to construct a visual language. It goes beyond mere portraiture and makes a philosophical statement about identity and representation.