769 - W. UNGER (*1837) after HALS (*1582), Double Portrait of a Married Couple, Etching

W. UNGER (*1837) after HALS (*1582), Double Portrait of a Married Couple, Etching William Unger (1837, Hanover – 1932, Innsbruck) after Frans Hals (c. 1582, Antwerp – 1666, Haarlem): Double portrait of a married couple. A dignified double portrait of a man and a woman in 17th-century attire, 19th century, etching Technique: Etching on paper Inscription: Signed in the lower left corner of the printing plate: “W. Unger sc.” Date: 19th century Description: This fine etching depicts a double portrait of a man and a woman facing each other within an oval frame. On the left is a dignified gentleman with a goatee, a wide-brimmed hat, and a magnificent lace collar; on the right, an elderly lady wearing a bonnet, a simple gown, and a collar—presumably a married couple, depicted after a painting by Frans Hals, one of the most important portrait painters of the Dutch Golden Age. The faces are vividly rendered, with psychological depth in their facial expressions. The technique of the engraver Wilhelm Unger (1837–1932) is highly refined: fine lines and dense hatching subtly modulate light and form, demonstrating particular mastery in rendering texture and facial expression. It is an art-historically significant reproduction print from the late 19th century, engraved to promote the art-historical appreciation of the Old Masters. Keywords: Portrait, 19th century, Baroque, Portraits, Germany, Size: Paper: 16.5 cm x 23.2 cm (6.5 x 9.1 in), Plate: 13.5 cm x 18.5 cm (5.3 x 7.3 in), Image: 9.1 cm x 14.8 cm (3.6 x 5.8 in) Condition: Very good condition. The artwork shows slight yellowing and minimal discoloration along the edge. The lines are clearly and carefully engraved. Traces of dust are occasionally visible but do not affect the overall appearance. The surface shows no obvious cracks or deep scratches.