Portret van Jan Hartmann Degner

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 295 mm x breedte 190 mm

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Jan Hartmann Degner** is a finely crafted engraving by Johannes Körnlein, dated 1741. This portrait captures the likeness of Jan Hartmann Degner, likely a notable figure of the era, rendered with the precision characteristic of 18th-century European printmaking. Measuring 295 mm in height by 190 mm in width (plate border), the work exemplifies the compact yet detailed format popular for personal and collectible portraits during the Enlightenment period, when such prints bridged the gap between elite portrait painting and wider dissemination. Engraving, Körnlein's chosen medium, involved etching intricate lines into a copper plate with a burin, inking the grooves, and pressing paper to transfer the image. This labor-intensive technique allowed for rich tonal contrasts and subtle textures, making it ideal for conveying the subject's dignified expression and attire. In the 1740s, engravings like this were vital for preserving and sharing images of professionals, scholars, or merchants, reflecting a growing culture of portrait collecting across Dutch and German-speaking regions. Today, this piece offers a window into mid-18th-century society, highlighting the artistry of lesser-known engravers like Körnlein who contributed to the visual record of their time. Its modest scale invites close inspection, revealing the engraver's skill in capturing personality through line alone.