Artwork
Ulrich Grundherr
Ulrich Grundherr is an ink print by the Baroque artist Andreas Kohl. It dates from 17 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a black‑and‑white engraving depicting an elderly gentleman dressed in elaborate attire.
About this work
Overview
The work is a black‑and‑white engraving depicting an elderly gentleman dressed in elaborate attire. He wears a ruffled collar, a buttoned coat and a decorative chain, and holds a small object in his hands. The image is framed by heraldic devices and Latin inscription, and the artist’s signature appears at the lower edge.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents a dignified figure, likely a person of status, suggested by the ornate clothing and the presence of coats of arms. The object he grasps may indicate a professional role or a symbolic attribute, while the surrounding Latin text could provide a name, title, or dedication, reinforcing his identity.
Technique & Style
Executed with fine incised lines on a metal plate, the engraving achieves a rich texture and subtle tonal variation. The meticulous line work renders the fabric’s folds, the chain’s links, and the decorative border with clarity, characteristic of early modern printmaking that emphasized detail and linear precision.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Andreas Kohl, the print bears his signature and dates to the early eighteenth century, as indicated by the numeral “17” in the inscription. Its survival in a printed format suggests it was intended for wider distribution, possibly as a commemorative portrait or a component of a larger publication.
Context
During the period, engraved portraits served both documentary and decorative purposes, often accompanying genealogical records or civic honors. The inclusion of heraldic symbols and Latin text aligns the work with contemporary practices of affirming lineage and status through printed media.
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