Mette Marie Kruse 1771

This is a portrait of Mette Marie Kruse, engraved by Jonas Haas. Note how the formal elements come together to create a portrait which celebrates both the sitter’s personal identity and her social standing. The composition is carefully arranged, featuring Ms. Kruse in an interior setting, seated with a book. Haas uses line to define form, creating a sense of depth through detailed hatching and cross-hatching, which allow for tonal variations. Observe the textures rendered through engraving, from the sheen of the draped fabric to the intricate details of Ms. Kruse's dress. The scale is intimate, drawing the viewer into a close engagement with the subject. Within the formal conventions of portraiture, this work engages with broader themes of representation and identity. The details of Ms. Kruse’s attire and surroundings signify her status and education, but Haas’s approach also captures a sense of individual character. The very act of representation becomes a discourse on visibility and social meaning.