Artwork
Johann-Michael Denis
Johann-Michael Denis is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jacob Adam. It dates from 1781 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: J. Donner. fecit; lower right in plate: Jacob Adam Sculp. 1781; across bottom in plate: Viennae apud Artaria Societ.; across top in plate: MICHAEL DENIS
About this work
Overview
This 1781 engraving on laid paper, created by Jacob Adam, portrays Johann-Michael Denis in a formal, black-and-white portrait.
Subject & Meaning
Denis is depicted with curly white hair, a powdered wig, and a high-collared coat, conveying a sense of seriousness and intellectualism. He holds a rolled-up document, suggesting literary or scholarly pursuits.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases Adam's use of line carving on a metal plate to achieve detailed, high-contrast imagery. The textured, handmade paper adds to the piece's tactile quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1781, specific details about the engraving's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided.
Context
The inclusion of a dark oval frame, ribbon of text, scroll, delicate leaves, and musical instruments (like a trumpet) within the design reflects the ornate, symbolic aesthetics common in 18th-century portraiture.
Legacy
As a portrait of Johann-Michael Denis, this engraving serves as a historical representation of its subject, though its broader artistic or cultural impact is not explicitly detailed.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
