Artwork
Daniel Chodowiecki
Daniel Chodowiecki is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Maximilian Franck. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1815, this lithographic portrait by Maximilian Franck presents the German‑Polish artist Daniel Nikolaus Chodouecki. Rendered in a restrained manner, the image captures the sitter’s calm expression and period attire, offering a straightforward visual record rather than an elaborate composition.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on Daniel Chodouecki himself, a prominent figure in late‑18th‑ and early‑19th‑century German art. By portraying him with a gentle demeanor and modest dress, the print conveys a respectful acknowledgment of his contributions without resorting to symbolic embellishment.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the image relies on the direct drawing of a stone surface with greasy media, later transferred to paper. Franck’s handling is economical, using clear lines and limited shading, which results in an unadorned, almost documentary quality characteristic of early 19th‑century portrait lithographs.
History & Provenance
The portrait dates to the post‑Napoleonic period, a time when lithography was gaining popularity as a means of reproducing likenesses. While specific ownership records are scarce, the print has circulated among collections that specialize in German graphic art, reflecting its role as a visual testament to Chodouecki’s legacy.
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