Portret van Johann Kaspar Lavater 1781

Johann Rudolph Holzhalb created this print of Johann Kaspar Lavater. Note how the portrait is neatly framed within an oval, itself adorned with naturalistic elements like leaves and a butterfly, which gives the piece a contemplative atmosphere. The composition plays with contrasts: The sharp, linear profile of Lavater is set against the soft, organic forms of the frame. The engraver uses hatching and stippling to create tonal variations, giving depth and volume to Lavater's face and attire. The inscription adds another layer, a textual frame that invites reflection on mortality and perception. The portrait is thus not just a likeness but a carefully constructed image that balances form and content. It invites us to consider the relationship between the individual and their representation.