Hans von Zürch Goltshmidt
Original title: Hans von Zürch Goltshmidt
kurzbeschreibung
Wenceslaus Hollar etched this portrait of Hans von Zürch Goltshmidt in 1647. Shown as a bust, the man wears a wide-brimmed hat and a turned-down collar. The print measures 20 × 13 cm and belongs to a series of portraits. It exists in only one state.
Description
Your eye goes first to the face emerging from under the wide-brimmed hat. He wears a jacket with a turned-down collar. His expression stays neutral, his eyes turned slightly to the left. The background is plain and dark. At the top are the inscriptions “HANS VON ZURCH GOLTSCHMIDT” and “HANS HOBERT 1532”; further text runs along the bottom edge.
Context
Hollar made the etching in England in 1647. The inscription “HANS HOBERT 1532” suggests that an older portrait model was reproduced, possibly one from the 16th century. Hollar was known for his meticulous graphic work, often based on the works of other artists. In that period, portraits of notable figures were sought after as collectibles.
Impact
At first glance, the calm frontal arrangement and precise linework give the print a dignified air. The dark background draws attention to the face and clothing. The inscriptions lend the portrait a documentary character. The sitter’s slightly leftward gaze pulls the viewer into the image.
Technique
The etching displays fine lines and hatching that bring contours and surfaces into relief. Since only one state exists, the plate was completed in a single working pass. The paper format is 7 7/8 × 5 1/8 inches (20 × 13 cm).
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)