Portret van Joseph Anton Koch 1810 - 1813

José de Madrazo created this print, "Portret van Joseph Anton Koch," using etching. Notice how the composition focuses on Koch's upper body, framed tightly to emphasize his face and attire. Madrazo masterfully employs line work, varying the density and direction of strokes to create a tonal range that defines form and texture. Light catches Koch's face, drawing our attention to his gaze, while the darker areas around the cap and clothing add depth and volume. The hatching technique is particularly evident, building up shadows and suggesting the tactile quality of fabrics. This meticulous rendering aligns with the Neoclassical emphasis on clarity and form, yet the relatively informal pose hints at a Romantic sensibility, prioritizing individual character and expression. The portrait, therefore, exists in the tension between idealized representation and the unique qualities of the subject.