Artwork
Daniel Chodowiecki

Daniel Chodowiecki is an oil painting by Anton Graff. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and displayed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
The portrait shows the Enlightenment intellectual Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki engrossed in study, his round spectacles and scholarly attire underscoring his identity as a rationalist and translator of Enlightenment texts. Rendered by Anton Graff in 1800, the work employs meticulous oil detailing to capture the sitter's thoughtful expression and the subtle play of light on his face, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge during the late 18th‑century German Enlightenment. The painting is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and displayed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
Technique & Style
The portrait was executed in oil paint on canvas, measuring 71.2 cm by 57.1 cm. It depicts Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki wearing glasses and was created in 1800. The work is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, Wittelsbacher Ausgleichsfonds, and is housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
Overview
This oil painting by Anton Graff, created in 1800, portrays Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, a renowned German-Polish engraver and draftsman. The work is a characteristic example of Graff's detailed portraiture style, capturing the likeness of a prominent artistic figure.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1800 by Swiss portraitist Anton Graff, the work is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. Graff was acclaimed for portraying prominent figures in the arts, literature, and music during his time.
Context
Created during the late 18th century, the painting reflects the era's portraiture trends, emphasizing realism and the capture of the subject's character through subtle expressions and detailed rendering of attire and accessories.
Legacy
While specific details on the painting's direct influence are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of Anton Graff's portraiture work, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects during a significant cultural period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anton Graff (18 November 1736 – 22 June 1813) was a Swiss portrait artist. Among his famous subjects were Friedrich Schiller, Christoph Willibald Gluck, Heinrich von Kleist, Frederick the Great, Friederike Sophie…
















