Self-Portrait before an Easel c. 1787

Anton Graff created this self-portrait using etching, a printmaking technique, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It offers insight into the artist's self-perception and the role of the artist in society during that era. Made in Germany, this image reflects the growing importance of the individual and the rising status of artists in society. Graff, a successful portrait painter, depicts himself with an easel, emphasizing his profession. The print also seems to comment on the institutions of art. The head at the bottom could be that of Laocoön. It may be a reproduction of the sculpture used for educational purposes, highlighting its role in academic training. To fully understand this work, scholars might delve into the history of art academies, the rise of the art market, and the changing social status of artists in 18th and 19th century Europe. These contextual factors are crucial to interpreting the meaning and significance of Graff's self-portrait.