Portret van Albrecht Altdorfer 1755 - 1757

Rudolf Füssli created this portrait of Albrecht Altdorfer using etching, and engraving techniques. The portrait is framed within an elaborate oval border, intertwined with foliage and ribbons. The subject, Altdorfer, is rendered with meticulous detail through fine lines and cross-hatching, giving form to his facial features and clothing. The texture of the engraving lends a tactile quality, contrasting the smooth areas of the paper with the density of the inked lines. Füssli's choice of medium allows for an exploration of light and shadow which models the figure within the frame. The composition, with its decorative elements and controlled lines, showcases a balance between representation and ornamental design. This work engages with structuralist ideas about portraiture and representation, it uses visual elements to create meaning, inviting viewers to interpret the historical and cultural significance of its subject.