Zelfportret van Nicolaus Ritter 1793

This self-portrait by Nicolaus Ritter jr. is a delicate graphite drawing on paper. The artist, who lived a short life from 1777 to 1797, has captured a likeness of himself in a simple, direct style. The drawing's soft lines and subtle shading highlight the young artist's features. While the piece is a self-portrait, the subject's gaze is direct and unwavering, revealing a confidence and artistic talent that belied his young age. The inscription at the bottom, "Nicolaus Ritter Desinijt, a l'âge de quinze ans apres lui même," confirms the date of the work as 1793, the year the artist was 16 years old. The work, measuring 299 mm in height and 234 mm in width, provides a glimpse into the life and artistry of a promising young talent who died tragically young.