Portret van een onbekende man, mogelijk de heer Nessebrode 1828 - 1871

This is a portrait of an unknown man, possibly Mr. Nessebrode, made by Christian Hoffmeister using etching and engraving. The subject is depicted from the chest up, set against a neutrally shaded background, enclosed within a rectangular border. Hoffmeister’s formal precision is evident in the minute details of the man’s attire and features; the etched lines create subtle gradations that model the form. The sitter’s slightly asymmetrical features, enhanced by his spectacles, suggest both individuality and a candid realism. Hoffmeister skillfully employs a range of etching techniques to render textures and surfaces. The hatching and cross-hatching are not just descriptive, they also serve to articulate space and volume, pushing the figure forward. Consider how the meticulous rendering of the sitter's garments contrasts with the relatively flat treatment of the background. The print transcends mere representation, engaging with broader questions about identity, appearance and the structures of portraiture itself.