Portret van Martin von Molitor 1774 - 1818

This etching, "Portret van Martin von Molitor" (1774-1818) by Joseph Abel (1764-1818), depicts the bust of Martin von Molitor, a prominent figure in 18th-century European history. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to Abel's skill in portraiture, capturing Molitor's likeness with meticulous detail. The etching showcases the subject's features, including his receding hairline, piercing gaze, and the subtle lines etched on his face, hinting at a life of intellectual pursuits. The work is an example of fine-art portraiture, a genre that thrived in the era of enlightenment and saw individuals like Molitor as subjects worthy of artistic representation.