Head of a Man 1760

Editor: This is "Head of a Man" by Ferdinand Landerer. The cross-hatching gives the impression of rough texture, especially on the hat. What do you make of this portrait? Curator: Well, who do you think this man is *supposed* to be? Is he a nobleman, merchant, or perhaps someone else? Consider how dress and accoutrements signaled social standing in the 18th century. Editor: He doesn’t look like a nobleman to me. Maybe he's a tradesman of some sort? It's an interesting reflection of social hierarchy through art. Curator: Precisely. And Landerer's choice of etching, a more accessible printmaking technique, also broadens the potential audience for this kind of imagery. Editor: I hadn't considered the technique in terms of social reach. Thanks, that's helpful.