Kunstsamleren, baron Philip von Stosch? 1728 - 1731

Marcus Tuscher rendered this portrait in muted tones of graphite on paper. The delicate lines and shading are arranged to capture the profile of a man, possibly the art collector Baron Philip von Stosch. The tight composition draws our attention to the sitter's face, framed by the elaborate curls of his wig. The artist's hand is evident in the varied textures created by the pencil strokes. Notice how the shading around the face and neck gives a sense of depth and volume, while the hatching in the background flattens the plane. The use of line is also particularly striking. The sinuous curves of the hair contrast with the straighter lines defining the sitter’s nose and lips. This contrast creates a visual rhythm. Such visual structures offer insight into the cultural codes of the time. Here, the emphasis on symmetry and idealized features reflects the period’s interest in classical forms, a visual expression of order and reason. Ultimately, the portrait’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance formal rigor with a subtle hint of the sitter's personality. This interplay between structure and expression continues to invite interpretation.