Portret van Samuel von Pufendorf

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate *Portret van Samuel von Pufendorf*, a finely executed engraving by Johann Ulrich Kraus (1665–1719). This modest yet captivating portrait, measuring just 186 mm high by 145 mm wide, captures the likeness of the esteemed German philosopher and jurist Samuel von Pufendorf (1632–1694), a key figure in natural law theory whose ideas influenced Enlightenment thinkers like Locke and Rousseau. Created during the Baroque era, Kraus's work exemplifies the era's mastery of engraving—a meticulous intaglio technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, inked, and pressed onto paper. This medium was revolutionary for its time, enabling the affordable reproduction and wide dissemination of prestigious portraits, bridging elite circles with broader audiences. Pufendorf's stern gaze and detailed attire reflect the period's emphasis on intellectual authority and moral gravitas. Adorned with a collector's mark (Lugt 2228), this piece boasts a distinguished provenance, underscoring its value among connoisseurs. As a window into 17th-century intellectual life, it invites us to ponder how printed images democratized portraiture, preserving legacies like Pufendorf's for generations.

About the Artist

Johann Ulrich Kraus · 1655–1719

Comment on works: Draughtsman; Engraver; etc.