Portrait of a Man in an Arm Chair, from Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands Possibly 1821

Christian Josi created this print, "Portrait of a Man in an Arm Chair," as part of a series emulating Dutch and Flemish masters. The piece invites us to consider the concept of authenticity and authorship, particularly within the historical context of art production and reproduction. During Josi’s time, the art world was grappling with ideas of originality versus imitation. While Josi was interested in replicating the styles of famous artists, what does it mean to create art based on someone else’s work? This portrait offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century artistic practices. Josi captures not just an image, but also the essence and techniques of earlier masters, prompting us to consider the dialogues between artists across time. The emotional depth of the man in the chair, combined with Josi's technical skill, leaves you questioning what is lost or gained in the act of imitation.