Portret van een onbekende man 1785 - 1822

"Portret van een onbekende man" (Portrait of an Unknown Man) is an 18th-century engraving by Dutch artist Joseph Fischer, created between 1785 and 1822. The artwork depicts a man in profile, wearing a coat with a prominent star on the lapel. The inscription "Le Commandant Ruffo" suggests that the subject was likely a high-ranking military figure, but his identity remains a mystery. This print reflects the popular genre of portraiture in the late 18th century, which focused on capturing likenesses of prominent individuals. Fischer's skillful use of shading and detail creates a realistic representation of the man's features. The artwork's small dimensions, 250 mm in height and 186 mm in width, suggest it may have been a personal or commemorative piece.