Portret van Johann Friedrich Degen 1792

This is Christoph-Wilhelm Bock's portrait of Johann Friedrich Degen, rendered in etching. The composition is immediately striking for its play with geometric forms. The subject, Degen, is neatly encapsulated within a perfect circle, a shape often associated with wholeness and perfection. This circular boundary creates a sense of containment, focusing our attention sharply on the profile of the man. The stark contrast between the dark etching and the stark white background generates a visual tension. Bock masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to model Degen's features and clothing, creating a sense of depth and texture within the flat plane of the print. This technique allows light and shadow to define the contours of his face, capturing a sense of his character. The portrait is further stabilized by the neat, linear inscription of Degen's name beneath the image. The use of the circle against a rectangular plane invites us to consider how the artist frames identity. The crisp lines and controlled execution reflect an era deeply invested in order, reason, and the clear demarcation of social roles.