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  • Dem Herrn Ober Post Commissair Dorrien gewidmet von Seinem ergebensten Freund u. Diener Bause. (Dedicated to Herr Oberpost Commissary Dorrien by his most devoted friend and servant, Bause.)

Dem Herrn Ober Post Commissair Dorrien gewidmet von Seinem ergebensten Freund u. Diener Bause. (Dedicated to Herr Oberpost Commissary Dorrien by his most devoted friend and servant, Bause.)

  • ARTIST: Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich

  • MEDIUM: Mezzotint,

    DATE: 1782

  • EDITION SIZE: Image size 6 7/8 x 8 1/2" (17.6 x 21.2 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: This mezzotint by Johann Friedrich Bause, after a painting by Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich (1712–1774), exemplifies the technical and artistic mastery of the medium. The work depicts an older gentleman rendered with remarkable precision, showcasing intricate details such as the charm adorning his hat and the remarkable detail in his eyes, which imbue the subject with a sense of vitality and character.<br><br> Bause’s skillful use of tonal gradation enhances the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, faithfully capturing the dynamic movement and intricate nuances of Dietrich’s baroque-inspired composition. The engraved dedication to Herr Oberpost Commissary Dörrien reflects the era’s tradition of honoring patrons, adding historical significance to the piece. This mezzotint stands as a testament to Bause’s ability to elevate portraiture, combining technical brilliance with a profound sensitivity to his subject, embodying the refinement and grandeur of 18th-century engraving at its finest.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO: This piece is in a 9.5 x 12.25 inch archival mylar for handling.

  • CONDITION: Good condition. Staining in the lower left corner and a small repaired tear on the left margin. Strong margins for a mezzotint.

  • REFERENCE:

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