Artwork

Ericus Fridericus Alberti (1724-88). Luthers predikant te Amsterdam, wijzend op de tekst Johannes 1, vers 17

Ericus Fridericus Alberti (1724-88). Luthers predikant te Amsterdam, wijzend op de tekst Johannes 1, vers 17 is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Jonas Zeuner. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This gesture serves as the central iconographic element, directing the viewer's attention to the biblical scripture that defines Alberti's ministry.

The work depicts Ericus Fridericus Alberti, who served as a Lutheran preacher in Amsterdam between 1724 and 1788. As a portrait, the image captures the clergyman in a specific theological context, showing him pointing toward the text of John 1, verse 17. This gesture serves as the central iconographic element, directing the viewer's attention to the biblical scripture that defines Alberti's ministry.

The composition represents the preacher's role as a mediator of this specific scriptural passage, emphasizing the theological message over mere physical likeness.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1771, this portrait utilizes vitreous enamel as its primary medium, with specific references also noting the application of verre églomisé techniques. The work is classified as a painting and functions within the portrait genre, depicting the Lutheran preacher Ericus Fridericus Alberti. Formal attributes include a vertical orientation, with the support measuring 35 cm in height and 28.5 cm in width.

The composition features the subject gesturing toward a specific biblical text, integrating textual reference directly into the visual narrative through the painter's handling of the enamel surface.

History & Provenance

The portrait was created in 1771 by Jonas Zeuner for Ericus Fridericus Alberti, a Lutheran preacher in Amsterdam who gestures toward John 1:17. It is an oil-on-metal work executed in vitreous enamel and verre églomisé, measuring 35 cm by 28.5 cm. The painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display.

The enamel is held in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, accessioned as SK-C-2536.

It was included in the exhibition “Glanz und Ewigkeit: Emailarbeiten aus dem Rijksmuseum Amsterdam,” held at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, from 16 November 2018 to 17 March 2019.

Overview

This vitreous enamel portrait, created in 1771 by Jonas Zeuner, depicts Ericus Fridericus Alberti, a Lutheran preacher in Amsterdam.

Hendrik Swaardecroon (1667-1728). Gouverneur-generaal (1718-25), Hendrik van den Bosch

Artist & collection

Artist

Jonas Zeuner

Jonas Zeuner (Kassel 1727–1814), was an artist and engraver. Zeuner arrived in Amsterdam around 1750 although his first recorded work dates from after 1770. He perfected techniques for engraving in gold and silver leaf,…