Portret van Georg Daniel Heumann 1710 - 1754

Georg Martin Preissler created this print of Georg Daniel Heumann, but we cannot know when. In this portrait, Heumann, a master of the "black arts," that is printmaking, is presented in a classical oval frame. He appears every bit the learned man, draped in a robe and wig, gazing confidently at the viewer. The print is inscribed with a poem, which praises Heumann’s likeness, profession, and artistry. This image is not simply about representing an individual; it is a carefully constructed statement about the status of the artist in society. In the 18th century, artists increasingly sought recognition as intellectuals, not mere craftsmen. Printmaking, as a relatively new and technically demanding art form, was central to this ambition. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the social and institutional history of art academies and the printmaking trade in 18th-century Europe. By consulting period documents, letters, and guild records, we can uncover the complex interplay of social aspiration, artistic innovation, and institutional change that shaped this compelling portrait.