Herreportræt. Profil til venstre. Karrikatur 1781 - 1791

Marie Jeanne Clemens made this caricature around the late 18th century with pen and brown ink on paper. The immediacy of ink on paper lends itself well to the quick, expressive lines that define this character study. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure applied to the pen, creating both delicate and bold contours. It’s worth noting that ink, even in its simplest form, was a carefully manufactured material, its quality reflecting trade routes and chemical expertise. Paper, likewise, was a valuable commodity, made by hand from pulped rags. Clemens captures not just a likeness but also a personality. In doing so, she elevates the drawing from a mere sketch to a work imbued with social commentary. This was a period of great social change, and caricature became an important means by which artists could express their views. Ultimately, this small drawing is a testament to how modest materials, skillfully manipulated, can capture the spirit of an age.