775 - H. HESS (*1799) after HOLBEIN (*1497), Self-Portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, ca. 1820, etching

H. HESS (*1799) after HOLBEIN (*1497), Self-Portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, ca. 1820, etching Hieronymus Hess (1799 Basel – 1850 ibid.) after Hans Holbein the Younger (1497 Augsburg – 1543 London): Self-Portrait of Hans Holbein the Younger: Portrait of a Bearded Man with a Hat and Fur Collar, c. 1820, Etching Technique: Etching on paper Inscription: Signed on the lower part of the printing plate: "H. Holbein se ipse pinx / H. Hess fec.". Date: c. 1820 Description: The image depicts a detailed portrait of a bearded man wearing a plain, dark hat. His facial expression is serious, with a direct gaze that seems to emerge from the picture. The depiction is rendered in fine lines, giving the face depth and texture. The background is simple and emphasizes the figure. The portrait occupies only a small portion of the entire sheet, which is generously framed. The composition is centered, with the focus on the face, while the body is suggested by a fur collar. Light and shadow are used subtly to define the facial features. The portrait has a classical feel and focuses on the sitter’s personality. Keywords: Portrait, 19th century, Romanticism, Depictions of Artists, Switzerland, Size: Paper: 23.6 cm x 20.3 cm (9.3 x 8 in), Plate: 10.7 cm x 7.4 cm (4.2 x 2.9 in), Image: 8.0 cm x 6.5 cm (3.1 x 2.6 in) Condition: Good condition. Minimal staining in the margin. Small crease in the upper margin. Minor rubbing along the upper margin of the image.