Johann c. 1810

This portrait was painted by Johann Baptist von Lampi the Elder, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, using oil paint on canvas. While we don't know exactly who this man ‘Johann’ was, the way he’s portrayed tells us something about the rising middle classes in Europe at this time. Oil paint was the perfect medium for showing off that status. It allows for fine details, rich colours, and realistic textures. Notice the texture of his jacket, the sheen of his white cravat, the soft rendering of his face. These details give an impression of wealth and refinement. The making of oil paint itself was a complex process, involving grinding pigments and mixing them with oils, a craft passed down through generations of artists. This portrait reflects the demand for skilled artisans and the burgeoning market for luxury goods that defined the era. Ultimately, the very materiality of this painting speaks volumes about the subject’s social standing and the broader economic forces at play.