Portret van keizer Titus

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2166

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Portret van keizer Titus*Portrait of Emperor Titus), a delicate engraving by Johann Friedrich Leonard, created sometime between 1643 and 1680. Measuring just 167mm high by 125mm wide, intimate print captures the stern yet noble visage of the Roman emperor Titus who ruled from 79 to 81 CE. Titus, forever linked to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the grand inauguration of the Colosseum was a pivotal figure in ancient history, embodying imperial power and tragedy. As an engraving, the work showcases the meticulous technique of the medium: fine lines incised into a metal plate, ink...

About the Artist

Johann Friedrich Leonard · 1630–1690

Johann Friedrich Leonhard (also spelled Leonard or Leonart, 1633–1680/87) was a German copperplate engraver and early practitioner of mezzotint who worked during the Baroque period, creating portraits and reproductive engravings after works by other artists. Though documentation of his life remains limited, his surviving works demonstrate mastery of engraving techniques and participation in the ne...