Portret van Fortunat Sprecher von Bernegg 1748

David Herrliberger's 1748 etching, "Portret van Fortunat Sprecher von Bernegg," depicts a portrait of Fortunatus Sprecher, a man of importance in the Vallstellina region of the Swiss Alps. The engraving presents a close-up view of Sprecher's face and torso, showcasing his imposing figure and distinctive beard. Herrliberger skillfully uses hatching to create a sense of depth and detail in the subject's clothing and features. The inscription below the portrait reveals Sprecher's titles: Knight, Rhaetian, and Prefect of the Vallstellina. The portrait's small dimensions and intimate view create a sense of connection between the viewer and the subject.