Self-portrait, frowing: bust 1711 - 1799

This self-portrait, frowing bust, was etched by Johann Georg Hertel. Notice how the tight network of lines creates a striking contrast between light and shadow, giving depth to the artist's furrowed brow and the texture of his unruly hair. The composition is structured around a play of asymmetry. The artist's gaze is directed slightly off-center, drawing our attention to the emotional intensity of his expression. The rough strokes that define the coat give a material presence to the figure, setting off the man's psychological state. The use of etching allows Hertel to build tone through density of line, a technique that emphasizes the rawness of the medium. This approach invites a dialogue on the nature of self-representation and the subjective experience of emotion. We are left to ponder how Hertel uses formal qualities to reveal layers of feeling, and question the act of looking.