Professor Ole Borch 1754

Jonas Haas created this print of Professor Ole Borch using engraving techniques. Notice how the lines are meticulously etched to define shapes and create texture across the composition, from the professor’s elaborate wig to the scientific instruments beside him. The composition is structured around a central figure, whose gaze meets ours directly. He leans casually against the brickwork, creating a triangular form that anchors the composition. Haas uses linear perspective to create depth, drawing our eyes towards the background with subtle curves and lines. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through varied line density, adds volume and enhances the textures of different materials. The print embodies Enlightenment ideals, blending scientific curiosity with humanistic representation. Through form and structure, Haas constructs an image that reflects the intellectual milieu of his time, inviting viewers to engage with the representation of knowledge and scholarship.