A Physionotrace Portraitist 1802

Christoph-Wilhelm Bock's "A Physionotrace Portraitist" (1802) is a print depicting a portraitist at work. The artist is seated at a table, drawing a portrait of a seated man. The portraitist's studio is filled with other portraits, showcasing the popularity of this art form during the 19th century. The physionotrace, a mechanical device for tracing profiles, was a popular method of portraiture in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The image captures the meticulous process of this technique, highlighting the artist's skill and attention to detail. The Art Institute of Chicago, where the print is located, preserves this fascinating glimpse into artistic practices of the past.