Artwork
Portrait of Johann Wolfgang Goethe
Portrait of Johann Wolfgang Goethe is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Ferdinand Jagemann. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting is a portrait of Johann Wolfgang Goethe, created by Ferdinand Jagemann in 1818. It is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Goethe as an older man with a serious expression, dressed in formal attire with a small feather on his lapel. The plain dark background emphasizes his face, conveying a sense of calm contemplation.
Technique & Style
Jagemann's brushwork is characterized by smooth, polished renderings of skin and clothing. The use of chiaroscuro is evident in the contrast between the subject's face and the dark background, drawing attention to Goethe's thoughtful expression.
Context
The painting was created during the Biedermeier period, which favored intimate and domestic themes in art. Jagemann's focus on capturing the likeness and character of his subjects aligns with the period's emphasis on realism and attention to detail.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ferdinand Jagemann (24 August 1780 in Weimar – 9 January 1820 in Weimar) was a German painter; known primarily for his portraits.
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Untitled