Kobberstikkeren J.F. Clemens 1822

This is a portrait of J.F. Clemens, an engraver, by Catherine Hedvig Fabritius de Tengnagel, painted with oils on canvas. The artist has used the smooth surface of the canvas and the viscous quality of oil paints to capture Clemens' likeness with great precision. Notice the contrast between the crisp details of his face and attire, and the softer, more diffuse background. This contrast draws our attention to Clemens himself, but also speaks to the social context of portraiture at the time. Engraving, like painting, was a skilled trade, demanding years of training and practice. By depicting Clemens in this way, de Tengnagel acknowledges his status as a fellow artist, and elevates his craft to the level of fine art. The detailed rendering suggests an interest in the textures and surfaces of the material world, while the muted palette conveys a sense of seriousness and dignity. Paying attention to materials and making helps us appreciate the skill involved in both engraving and painting, challenging the hierarchy that often separates art from craft.